Belmont Stakes - December 04, 2008

Industry sources announced yesterday that wagering for the month of November was off 9.7% with the corresponding month in 2007, despite a 5.7% increase in the number of races run. This again proves that more is not always better.

Today's menu consists of five races, two each from  Aqueduct and Hollywood Park and a single race from the Fair Grounds.

Today's Best Bet is #6 Scott's Choice in Race #6 at Aqueduct.

Wednesday's Results: Aqueduct Race #8 Top Pick #1 (Lorccan) $9.90.
 
Aqueduct Race #9 Top Pick #3 (Irish Mama) $7.50.
Ex. (3-11) $27.00.
 
Aqueduct Races 8-9 Daily Double (1-3) $46.20.
 
Hollywood Park Race #2 Ex. (1-5) $14.20.
T-fecta (1-5-2)  $30.20.

Today's Horse Racing Picks:

AQUEDUCT Race #6 at 2:45 PM Eastern

Top pick: #6 (SCOTT'S CHOICE) - Tries to stretch her sprint speed out over a distance of ground. Trainer (Kiaran McLaughlin) is one of the best in the business at that particular move (25%). Ready to roll.

2nd pick: #4 (Linda's Kisses) - Her lone dirt race was one of her best efforts, setting/pressing the pace and just failing to hold on. In-shape and she goes third off a 2 1/2 month layoff. In it from start-to-finish.

3rd pick: #3 (Punt's Kitty) - Tries a distance for the first time after several good sprint tries on both turf and dirt. Likes to race mid-pack and can see her making an impact against these.

4th pick: #2 (Tulipmania) - Nicely-bred runner hasn't seen action since October of 2007. Daughter of "Empire Maker" just missed in her last before the long layoff. May need one.

Top pick: #4 (DAVID'S HOPE) - Filly broke her maiden last out when trying dirt for the first time. Freshened-up since that win by a sharp trainer (Sam David), she's working well for her return run.

2nd pick: #7 (Jane's Baby) - Drops a bit after finishing "in the money" in five of six starts against winners. Very game and she's a win candidate.

3rd pick: #5 (Orientated Lady) - Tom Amoss trained filly fits here after a pair of strong tries at this level at Churchill Downs. Mid-pack type is a late threat.

Top pick: #5 (TAQARUB) - Impressed first out with a "handy" wire-to-wire win on November 8, on a sloppy main-track here. He has an extremely fast work on the Nov. 27, and looks ready to take another.

2nd pick: #9 (Prince Charming) - Drew the rail in a stakes at a "flat" mile last out and chased a fast pace before tiring late. Previous races showed a lot of talent and he has a pair of sharp works since the failed stakes attempt.

3rd pick: #4 (Jess Not Jessie) - Another runner who's recent work activity is fast. Set a fast/pressured pace in his last outing at Delaware and held well to finish third. Contender.

4th pick: #7 (Fellow Crasher) - Stalking ability is a big plus as the race is filled with many who have only an early gear. Experienced, and may be a square price.

Top pick: #6 (DEGREKO) - Stretches-out off a sprint in which he finished a fine third. Moves in with Cal-breds today and his trainer (Mike Pender) is a strong 27% when sending his runners long.

2nd pick: #3 (King of the Green) - Has some good late kick and that enabled him to finish second and third in his two turf tries. In a new barn (Brian Koriner) and he has a fine recent work. Very dangerous.

3rd pick: #2 (Intermission) - Moves to the turf after an improved run last out when sent long on "poly" for the first time. Trainer Carla Gaines is a solid 27% when sending her stock to the grass.

Top pick: #8 (KELLY LEAK) - Tries the grass for the first time, but his breeding says that the surface should be fine. Won a graded stakes (The Best Pal (G2) in his second start, but was subsequently disqualified. Injured in his last race, he'll be coming back from a three month layoff, but is training in very fast fashion. The top pick.

2nd pick: #6 (Smokey Lonesome) - Nice win last out in a race that has produced several next-out winners. Tries the grass for the first time, but his works indicate that he's ready to go.

3rd pick: #1 (Flashman's Papers) - Returns to the turf after a trio of rather poor efforts on "poly" surfaces. Has some back class and it's of some note that Bejarano is aboard today.

4th pick: #7 (Major Rock Star) - Speedy runner is in shape and has won two of his three starts. Tries the turf today and moves up in class. His speed makes him a player.

Horse Racing Picks Resources:

• Don't forget to read our horse handicappers here.
• View our horse racing handicapping philosophy here.
• View our handicapping horse racing here.
• Don't forget to read our horse racing bets here.
• Here we show our horse racing theory.
• Check out horseracing rules here.
• Read our horse racing sports book here.
• View our free kentucky derby picks here.
• Read our preakness stakes handicapper here.
• Read our belmont handicapper here.
• Check out our updated 2008 horseracing prior tips results.

Check out the last five Horse Racing Picks Newsletters:

Horse-Racing-Picks-December-03-2008
AQUEDUCT Race #8 at 3:40 PM EasternTop pick: #4 (DELOSOVIENTOS) - Looms a heavy favorite and "right-fully" so. Distance loving runnner has a wonderful one pace stride that has led him to 4 wins in his...

Horse-Racing-Picks-December-02-2008
TURF PARADISE Race #2 at 2:30 PM EasternTop pick: #2 (HOLLYWOOD ADVISER) - Gelding makes his return to this circuit after spending the better part of the year in No. California. When last seen here he...

Horse-Racing-Picks-December-01-2008
CALDER Race #7 at 3:10 PM EasternTop pick: #3 (MICHAELS WEST ACRE) - Speedy gelding will be moving from turf to dirt and shortening up in distance. Ran well two back on the dirt at this level and the ...

Horse-Racing-Picks-November-30-2008
AQUEDUCT Race #6 at 2:45 PM EasternTop pick: #6 (MIAS FIRST) - Good efforts in all three of her appearances for this bargain-priced ($7000) yearling. Pressed the pace last out against a good group and...

Horse-Racing-Picks-November-29-2008
AQUEDUCT Race #6 (THE DEMOISELLE S.) at 2:45 PM EasternTop pick: #2 (AIN'T LOVE GRAND) - Improving filly has a solid chance at upestting the heavy favorite in here, #5 Sky Diva. Daughter of "Dixie Uni...