It’s rarely uncomplicated, this forecasting racing outcomes a couple days in advance. On the East Coast this Saturday, the undefined variable is turf-course condition. With heavy rain supposed to sweep up the Atlantic seaboard Thursday night into Friday evening, it’s a guessing game as of Thursday trying to determine the state of the turf course at Belmont, which has an excellent multi-stakes card, and Delaware, with a good grass race of its own.
Each week in this space, the top Beyer performances by maiden winners will be featured and analyzed. Click here for a complete archive.
Costa Terra
July 1, 6th race Ellis Park, MdSpWt51k
Beyer: 69
5f (sloppy track) 57.41 – 1st by a nose
ch. c. 2, Gun Runner – Teardrop, by Tapit
Noteworthy siblings: Pneumatic (Uncle Mo) – stakes-winner, $257K
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Belmont | Race 6 | Post Time 3:34 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up
Belmont | Race 8 | Post Time 4:40 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up
It’s been a good run this year for favorites in graded stakes, and an even better run for favorites in the graded stakes Sunday at Belmont Park and Los Alamitos.
Horseplayers might take that as a hint. Perhaps weekend races other than the Grade 2 John A. Nerud Stakes and Grade 3 Los Alamitos Derby offer more value. Perhaps other less-publicized races offer a chance to wager on a legitimate contender at higher odds.
Our Pick last week, Carpe All Day, was a neck, a neck, and a half behind at the wire after four of them battled through the stretch—at least he finished up the superfecta. The week was very good otherwise for BreezeFigs maidens: Five of the juveniles won at Belmont, Ellis (BreezeFigs exacta), Gulfstream, Los Alamitos, and Parx; 10 3-year-olds scored at Belmont, Churchill, Gulfstream (two, including a BreezeFigs exacta) Los Alamitos, Monmouth, Parx, Tampa Bay (two), and Woodbine.
Belmont | Race 4 | Post Time 2:31 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up
