Belmont Park rolls out a 10-race card to get everyone primed for the Preakness Stakes later in the day at Pimlico. All 10 races will be run before the second jewel of the Triple Crown and The Saratoga Special’s John Shapazian offers his full analysis right here.
John also gives his Preakness pick and a couple possible bombs to fill out the exacta and trifecta. Check it out below.
Race 1
PIMM’S CUP makes his second start of the year for Kenny McPeek, will try and take them all the way. THE BROWN BOMBER will be an early pace factor. SECRET SCHOLAR is 0-for-15 but has had some decent efforts last year. 2-5-9
Race 2
AUGIE’S COMING gets a major rider change for his second race in over a year. FIELDING GOLD will finally get a fast strip after catching slop in his last two. BENNY BIG BOY takes on winners after maiden score. 4-3-6
Race 3
HIGHLAND SKY maybe better than these. FIRE AWAY is the one to catch. BACKSIDEOFTHEMOON tries the lawn for Leo O’Brien, will be a price. 6-2-4
Race 4
WILDCAT BELLE wheels back in three days, could be tough on the lead if her connections decide to leave her in the field. LUNA RISING may become lone speed if the top choice is scratched. DOINWHATSHELIKES returns after five months on the sidelines. 2-3-6
Race 5
POP SINGER 4-year-old daughter of Scat Daddy tries the turf for her 2017 debut. ITSINTHESTARS faces state-breds after maiden victory north of the border. LADY BERGEN may better this rating. 2-9-7
Race 6
SWIFT ONE is the one to beat, shipping in from Keeneland. OUR KARMA was impressive in last. PROUD ZIP drops in claiming price, your call. 3-2-7
Race 7
TEAM OF TEAMS rates an edge in a well-matched field. BELLAVAIS and MORTICIA both figure close. 2-4-5
Race 8
AKTABANTAY draws the rail for a sharp outfit, well spotted. SMALL FORTUNE ships in from Churchill Downs and returns to the sod were he is 4-for-7. WINTER SPRINGS cuts back to 6 panels. 1-9-4
Race 9
DREAM A LITTLE a 4-year-old filly by Freud has lots of upside potential. OUT OF TROUBLE makes her second start after a layoff for Kiaran McLaughlin. DISCREET IMAGE should fill out exotic wagers. 8-4-7
Race 10
OUT OF NOWHERE gets a timid vote making her 19th attempt for a maiden win, has done her best running on turf. EMPTY HOUSE showed some life returning to the weeds in last effort. I’DDRINKTOANYTHING could not of found a softer field for her debut. 5/4/7
Preakness Stakes
ALWAYS DEAMING is clearly the horse to beat, he will probably get bet down to 2-5, not much value. CONQUEST MO MONEY has a ton of upside potential, may get to the front and forget to look back. CLOUD COMPUTING attracts Javier Castellano to ride for Chad Brown. 4-10-2
