Belmont picks for 14/9
Theres been showers off and on this last few days so anticipating a slow (dead at best track) tomorrow...there has been a strong wind warning for southwesterlys clearing later in the day which might give an initial advantage to front runners and on pace horses...
R1 Real Magic the likely fav and will be too short, obviously has the form (on the dry) and finished strongly albeit too late over 1000m to the place getters (incl the winner Stanz the Man) 2 weeks ago and beat Sleek Tonique prior to that- Sleek has since gone on to win on a slow Belm track last Wednesday...like Air Race (strong trial form and from Parnham stable) and Commendation (PJ riding) the dangers so will work tri around these 3 and throw in The Den and Sideways for the multis...
R2 Not sure about this one...think PJ might try and lead all the way with Sweet Record with Sportiva the likely fav but prefer to look at a bit of value, theres a whisper on Vern's Silent Wishes...Jewel Raider, Soleil Fille on trial form for multis...
R3 Really liked Shake Your Bon Bons strong finish last start over 1200m on a heavy track (the extra 100m will be just what the doc ordered here)...Zanella fought on strongly against Foxaround in a race with no speed on and is a big danger...my quinella with 9/3/8/7/10 for the exotics
R4 Stratazoa surprised them when led all the way last start at 1000m Belmont on dead track and Phil Grantham is likely to try the same tactics again (not sure how it will go if track is heavy)...this field is not much better...Mythalo, Smoke Bush and Solarus to finish thereabouts Random Encounter might find this too short but has wet form and Leta Explode for long odds multi...
R5 I like Lady Avonlea's last 2 runs same distance and track (on good then heavy track) and am willing to back her each way if the price is good. La Una flew home from the back to catch Kinky Miss over 1400m 2 weeks back on a dead track and will be likely favourite...Mimicry has won at Belmont over 1650m (slow) and has been given a month to freshen up... Yorkshire Rose could sneak in also after good finishes in last starts and Bolasque to round off the multis.
R6 Nevabawc (win bet PJ) to sneak in here with Coalseam, Robelen Park (give him one last chance-will see how the back markers do in early races might go ew 1-3 ratio) Sonic Cruiser, Port Jackson and Pro Dansk to fight for the minors...
R7 Im hoping Boppin The Blues will try and lead all the way and take this one (each way bet)...altho Mikis Protector has every right to be the fav after getting a dream run last week at Belmont (2100m) to leave them behind on a wet track...Sikmrex will finish on and Ultegra and Mavericks Pago for the multis...
R8 Woodlore is expected to lead from Cheeky Business...might be a chance to jag a good priced runner...like Baltic Boy, Peronista and Double Bay and will go each way 1-3 ratio.
Fingers crossed guys...hope to get back in the positive after a slow last few days!