BUSHROD
Trainer: Judd Becker
Last race: Oct. 13, 7th
Finish: 5th by three lengths
Beyer: 90
The Chicago shipper didn’t have a clear running lane through the stretch in the Grade 2 Nearctic Stakes, in which he was dismissed at 33-1.
NIGHT WATCHMAN
Trainer: Anthony Pottinger
Last race: Oct. 14, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 3 1/4 lengths
Beyer: 65
Belmont Park | Race 7 | Post Time 4:46 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
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Byself and Fair Regis figure to vie for favoritism in this spot. At first glance, it appears that Fair Regis is faster, but I actually prefer Byself in this race if they are indeed similar prices.
Race 1: American Rule (#6)
Seemed to improve last time for Gary Contessa, who has been enjoying a fantastic Belmont meet.
The Pace Projector is predicting that he will be forwardly placed in a race that doesn’t feature much quality speed.
Is a half-brother to talented turf horse Markitoff and his dam is a half-sister to four turf stakes winners.
6-1 on ML
Belmont Park | Race 8 | Post Time 4:43 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
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This race was significantly affected by scratches. Lady Alexandra is scheduled to run at Woodbine instead, and Lull is not participating on yielding turf. With both of these favorites out, this race becomes totally wide-open, and I think it’s wise to go shopping for a price.
Race 3: Bernardino (#6)
Had worked well prior to his debut and ran better than his final finishing position suggests.
Despite being up against a slow pace, he ran the fastest final quarter-mile of all in his debut after getting held up early.
Is bred to be a decent turf horse as a half-brother to turf winners Manoffire and Given Fire.
4-1 on ML
Belmont Park | Race 5 | Post Time 3:41 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
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A thoroughly top-class filly leads the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup and could prove your linchpin for Saturday’s late pick four at Keeneland (races 7-10). On the other hand, she’ll be on everyone’s ticket, so if you can topple her, well, you know the drill.
All three in our Pick last week picked up a check, finishing second, third and fourth to complete all the gimmicks, but it was a bad race all around except for the serious dropdown, Haydens Havoc, who was second. Meanwhile, the week itself was quite good for BreezeFigs maidens with 19 of them winning, several kicking off very good gimmicks.
Race 2: Okeamo (#8)
Is getting serious class relief as he drops in for a tag for the first time.
The pair of 97 TimeformUS Speed Figures that he has earned in his last two starts tower over this field.
Has been losing ground late in his last two races, so he should appreciate the turnback in distance.
7-5 on ML