Horse Racing Handicapper - July 10, 2008

This Saturday 2007 "Horse of the Year" Curlin will make his debut on the grass in the "Man O'War" (G1) stakes at Belmont Park. Race will answer the question as to what course his connections will follow with the rest of his '08 campaign. If successful, he'll be pointed towards the "Arc De Triomphe" (G1) at Longchamp Race Course in Paris, but if he doesn't handle the new surface, he'll remain on dirt or possibly try "poly" in the "Breeder's Cup Classic" (G1) at Santa Anita in late October.

Today we go to Belmont where the track should be fast and the turf course firm for the four contests we've selected.

Today's Best Bet is #7 Woodrunner in Race #6 at Belmont Park.

Wednesday's Results: Arlington Park Race #5 Top Pick # 4 (Miss Ann H) $5.20. 

Belmont Park Race #3 Top Pick # 5 (Digger) $3.40.
Exacta (5-1) $6.60. 

Belmont Park Race #9 Top Pick #1 (Panthera Tigre) $4.70.
Exacta (1-3) $27.40.
Trifecta (1-3-10) $68.00.

Today's Horse Racing Picks:

BELMONT PARK Race #TWO (1:30 PM Eastern)

(# 4) VALIANT HUMOR - Claimed two starts back by trainer Greg DiPrima, colt ran a solid second to an impressive-looking winner ("Bobby Sands") who has since come back to win again. Trainer continues to send out his horses well-spotted and in good racing shape.

(# 1) Shoptate - Colt broke poorly in his debut last April and has a "spotty" work record for his return. Drops into a claimer and draws the rail. Look for a better performance today.

(# 2) Babe Watcher - Firster from the sharp barn of Richard Dutrow has some sharp drills on view for his debut. Gelded son of "Black Minnaloushe" is carefully spotted for his first run and the trainer wins at 29% with his firsters.

(# 8) SMOKIN HERO - Good speed shown in his well-bet debut on June 15. Gelding was hustled early to clear and fought it out with eventual winner "Dagnabit" down the lane finishing second. That runner became a stakes winner next out. Can win this with a quick break.

(# 5) Paramedic - Son of "Hook and Ladder" comes from a trainer (Tom Bush) who has some juvenile debut winners every season. Quick move on July 2, has been followed by what looked like fitness type moves since. Dangerous foe.

(# 2) Purple Eagle - Son of "Posse" comes from the always dangerous Contessa bar. Works are adequate (all at Saratoga) and it would be no surprise to see him run well.

(# 7) WOODRUNNER - Hung a bit after a wide effort in his first against winners. Race was still a sharp try as he stayed on gamely to finish a close-up third to a perfect trip winner. Mile distance should be right up his alley, and he can win this from just off the pace.

(# 9) Piazza Di Spagna - Broke his maiden on the Belmont Stakes under card and did so in style. Improving quickly at this stage and the switch to the infield has turned his career around. Tough opponent.

(# 4) Al Amir - Broke his maiden earlier this year at Aqueduct in his first try in a state-bred event and his first effort with blinkers. Freshened up since, he'll need to bring his best to beat these more experienced rivals.

(# 11) Fortune Faded - Speedy gelding needs a scratch to compete, but if allowed to run is the main speed with a good post to use it from. Today would mark his turf debut if he goes.

(# 7) COUGAR BAY - Logical selection and probable heavy favorite goes from an even performance in the Grade 1 "Manhattan" hdcp. to a $35,000 claiming race. The class of the race and only needs a clear path to win.

(# 1) Youbethecan - Dutrow runner won his last at this tag coming back from almost a two-month break. Deep-closer will need an "honest" pace to offer his best.

(# 3) Hangingbyathread - Makes his third start of the year and will be running in a "straight" claimer for the first time. Has some speed to bring and he showed promise last season. Factor at a square price.

(# 10) Exton - Finished second at this tag and distance two back, then did not run well in a seven-furlong turf sprint. Back to his best yardage, he could impact the exotics with a late run.

Horse Racing Picks Resources:

• Check out free horse racing picks here.
• Don't forget to read our horse racing system here.
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• View how to bet horse racing here.
• Don't forget to read our horse racing bouncing here.
• View horse rules here.
• Hop over to our horse racing betting here.
• Check out our updated triple crown kentucky derby.
• Here we show our preakness handicapping.
• Check out belmont picks here.
• Here we show our 2008 horseracing tips results.

Check out the last five Horse Racing Picks Newsletters:

Horse-Racing-Picks-July-09-2008
DELAWARE PARK Race #THREE (1:35 PM Eastern)(# 5) SUPERVISION - Mare was claimed for the third straight race on May 25, which was an easy wire-to-wire win on this course. She has a good overall record ...

Horse-Racing-Picks-July-08-2008
PHILADELPHIA PARK Race #THREE (1:10 PM Eastern)(# 7) HAPPY GOLDSTEIN - Sharp second place last out at this level in her first race in seven weeks. Speedy mare was facing much better earlier this seaso...

Horse-Racing-Picks-July-07-2008
DELAWARE PARK Race #ONE (12:45 PM Eastern)(# 2B) MOE THE TIGER - Made his racing debut running for this price tag and ran a fine third. Stayed close to a fast pace and rallied through the lane to make...

Horse-Racing-Picks-July-06-2008
BELMONT PARK Race #TWO (1:30 PM Eastern)(# 4) DIXIELAND STAR - Very sharp in his first pair of '08 starts, this son of "Hook and Ladder" looks like he is on the verge of his maiden win. Combination of...

Horse-Racing-Picks-July-05-2008
BELMONT PARK Race #ONE (1:00 PM Eastern)(# 7) LOST GOING HOME - Speedy type has his price cut in half today by trainer Mike Hushion. Both of his return races off a five-month layoff were in the mud. C...