Belmont Stakes preview

1. Master of Hounds, Garrett Gomez, 10-1
I kinda liked him going into the Derby, and he should like the added distance. In his earlier races he showed the ability to track the pace a little closer, which he may need to do here. I like him for a piece of the pie, and will play on top on backup tickets.

2. Stay Thirsty, Javier Castellano, 20-1
Regally bred, but thus far that's the only thing to like about him. Belmont is his home track, but the simple truth is that he isn't as fast as a lot of these horses thus far. Have to toss.

3. Ruler On Ice, Jose Valdivia Jr., 20-1
Toss

4. Santiva, Shaun Bridgmohan, 15-1
Liked a bit in the Derby and ran well. Probably can only play for 3rd here.

5. Brilliant Speed, Joel Rosario, 15-1
Ran well in the Derby, but he was behind 6 horses that are running in Belmont. Had some traffic trouble which could account for a few lengths. I like for 3rd at best here.

6. Nehro, Corey Nakatani, 4-1
Something tells me that he isn't going to finish better than 3rd here. He was very flat coming down the lane in the Derby, and he got a very good trip. He does have a lot of stamina in his pedigree from Mineshaft and AP Indy, but like I said, I just have a hunch. He doesn't like to win, but does seem to give an honest effort.

7. Monzon, Jose Lezcano, 30-1
Barf

8. Prime Cut, Edgar Prado, 15-1
May be a slight pace factor, but I think the distance will be his undoing. May play on bottom of backup tickets.

9. Animal Kingdom, John Velazquez, 2-1
Had a great workout the other day, and has given me no reason to not like him. He is the horse to key on (can't believe I was too stupid to do that in the Preakness0.

10. Mucho Macho Man, Ramon Dominguez, 10-1
He always seems to run into trouble, and am concerned that this campaign is taking a lot out of him. BUT.....at 10-1 he is certainly value. The distance may be a bit much for him, but his speed figures are competitive and he always gives it an honest try.

11. Isn't He Perfect, Rajiv Maragh, 30-1
Double barf. Didn't they learn enough in the Preakness?

12. Shackleford, Jesus Castanon, 9-2
Outside post will not hurt him. The lack of early speed in this race should allow him to dictate things similar to how he did in the Derby. He is game as hell, but I just think the Belmont is going to be too far for him, regardless of the fractions he sets (he seems to go best when gunning through fast fractions anyways, like in the Preakness). Going to take a stand and pass on him.


Predicted order of finish:

1st - Animal Kingdom
2nd - Master of Hounds
3rd - Mucho Macho Man
4th - Brilliant Speed