Thursday, June 03, 2004

Final Pre-Belmont Update

Well, this morning the forecast was for a glorious Saturday with highs in the mid-70's and just 12 hours later the forecast is for rain, heavy at time, with a high near 60. Go figure.

Purge will be sent right away from his inside post to establish a lead and try to get a half in 48 seconds or slower. Birdstone and Rock Hard Ten could be contesting the pace as well with Stewart Elliott having Smarty Jones at least 4th in the early going considering he has the outside #9 post. Royal Assault, Tap Dancer, Caiman and Eddington are all closers. Expect Eddington and Royal Assault to be closer than usual. Tap Dancer and Caiman are just outclassed. It would be a huge piece of news if either one of them finished in the money. Master David is a puzzle. He was on or near the lead in the Wood Memorial and lost to Tapit. He was forwardly placed in the Derby and finished in the bottom half. He ran in the Peter Pan and tried a new tactic- run from dead last to close. He finished 8th. So, what will be the tactic?

There are very few women and even fewer men that have paid the mortgage at 1 to 10. That's about what Smarty Jones will go off at making this a race to watch rather than bet.

I'll do a $2 Exacta with Smarty over every double digit odds horse in the field. If you really believe the exacta will be Smarty over Rock Hard Ten- take your $4.20 winnings and be happy.

If you want to waste $4 but take a real long chance- put $2 Win each on Tap Dancer and Caiman and hope every other horse jumps the rail and jumps in the Belmont infield lake. Stranger things have happened in racing.

May the horse be with you.

Wednesday, June 02, 2004

Belmont Preview

Steve & Catherine prepared for the Belmont by paying a visit to Churchill Downs this week. After a poor start, they rallied down the stretch with back-to-back exacta wins.

Here's Racetrack Len's take on the last leg of the 2004 Triple Crown:

The 136th Belmont comes up a week from today and wouldn't today's weather (clear as a bell and 60 degrees) be an ideal Belmont day!

Look for a record crowd to attend the Belmont, the old record being 103,445 in 2002 to watch Sarava win at 75-1. Smarty Jones seems primed for yet another top effort. Look for a small field and be happy with a $19 trifecta. As of today, it looks like there could be only 6 going in the race. Should 6 go, there would be a trifecta. Anything less than 6, it will be win, place and exacta wagering only. Look for Smarty to go off at 1/10. Philly Park claimer Tap Dancer should be the longest shot on the board; believe me, this horse has NO chance.

Stay tuned for more.