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Belmont Stakes Pick - September 26, 2008This Saturday reigning "Horse of the Year" Curlin will face eight challengers as he tries to become thoroughbred racing's all-time leading money earner. The race is the $750,000 "Jockey Club Gold Cup" (G1), an event that he won last year. In all probability, if successful , he will be retired soon afterwards. Surface loving (five for six) speedball "Merchant Marine", and unlucky "Travers" runner-up "Mambo in Seattle" look like the only serious obstacles. As a sidenote, at age eleven, I was at the track the day the mighty "Kelso" won his fifth, that's right fifth, "Jockey Club Gold Cup" in the fall of 1964. Today we have four more from Belmont. With rain in the forecast, please note our "alternate" selections in race #9, a scheduled turf event. Today's Best Bet is #8 Ofcr. Sheila T Rex in Race #6 at Belmont Park.  Today's Horse Racing Picks: Top pick: #2 (PULPITINA) - Runner exhibited big talent in her pair of starts last year at two. She returned in the spring, but her pair of starts were a bit below par. Freshened up for almost three months, she is training swiftly for her return. 2nd pick: #1 (Itobe) - Prospect of an "off" track, her inside post and very good speed combine to make her dangerous. 3rd pick: #7 (Holistic) - Tremendous maiden win in a sprint at Oaklawn in January, led her connections to try her in a two-turn stake next out. Chased a fast pace and tired in that February race. On the sidelines since, she is working fast for her return. 4th pick: #4 (Quiet Mover) - Sharp maiden win at Saratoga in her first off an Ed Barker claim. Race was by far her best ever as she drew away late after racing well back early. This will be her first against winners. BELMONT PARK Race #4 at 2:30 PM Eastern Top pick: #1 (Quiet Sky) - Filly is part of a Richard Dutrow trained entry. She broke well in her bow, stayed near a fast pace, and retreated readily. Prado stays put and trainer is a strong 26% 2nd time out. 2nd pick: #8 (Best for Last) - Daughter of "A.P. Jet" has shown good speed in her first pair. Blinkers go on for trainer Tom Bush, and although she loses Prado to another, it's good to see Coa aboard. 3rd pick: #1a (My Cruiser) - The other half of the Dutrow entry. Firster by "Mayakovsky" has several gate drills that indicate she can run a bit. 4th pick: #9 (Symbol) - Owned and bred by "Hall of Famer" John Nerud. Daughter of "Gold Token" broke slowly in her debut at Saratoga. Lasix is added today by trainer Mike Hushion. BELMONT PARK Race #6 at 3:30 PM Eastern Top pick: #8 (OFCR. SHEILA T REX) - Filly lays all over this group as long as she breaks cleanly. She finished second at this price tag two back at Saratoga. Returns to a claimer and the dirt after trying tougher on the grass last out. The choice for the win. 2nd pick: #9 (Marian B) - Drops and goes turf to dirt for trainer Alan Iwinski. Raced well in her last pair on the turf. Trainer's main rider John Velazquez is aboard. The main danger. 3rd pick: #7 (Cream Top) - Debut runner has a nice gate work on Sept. 20, and she need not be much to impact against these. 4th pick: #3 (Chernobyl Princess) - Good return speed shown at this tag last out in her first off a two-month break. She's the speed closest to the rail. BELMONT PARK Race #9 at 5:00 PM Eastern Top pick: #3 (MRS. HOLDEN) - Proved clearly best in her latest and was disqualified for a very minor infraction. She's the fastest of these and if race stays on the turf she's the horse to beat. 2nd pick: #11 (Miss Dolan's Rose) - She "hit the board" in two of three at Saratoga at this distance on the turf. Has enough speed to overcome the outside draw and still save enough for a late charge. The main danger. 3rd pick: #6 (Kaz Dear) - Her best race to date was her only turf start which came at Colonial Downs on July 4. Tired after showing speed last out in a switched contest at Saratoga. Player if the race is on the grass. 4th pick: #1 (Guessing Game) - Cuts back in distance to try a sprint on the turf for the first time in her career. In this weak field she could pass enough late to hit the tri and or super. Special Race Notes: Selection if this race is switched to the dirt. #3-Mrs. Holden #5-Token Special #6-Kaz Dear #4-Wicked Queen Horse Racing Picks Resources:
Check out the last five Horse Racing Picks Newsletters: Horse-Racing-Picks-September-25-2008 Horse-Racing-Picks-September-24-2008 Horse-Racing-Picks-September-23-2008 Horse-Racing-Picks-September-22-2008 Horse-Racing-Picks-September-21-2008 |
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