Everything You Need to Know to Bet the Belmont Stakes (G1)
June 9th, 2011
JUDE’S BELMONT STAKES (G1) ANALYSIS
ANIMAL KINGDOM has been the true “buzz horse” of the Triple Crown. His Kentucky Derby victory and Preakness placing were both excellent races and he paired 103 Beyer speed figures running them – often a sign of further improvement. His pedigree indicates the marathon distance will be no problem and his excellent blowout over the track on Monday indicates all systems go. NEHRO passed the Preakness in favor of waiting for the Belmont. His speed figures continue to improve and his style seems to promote his chances going a mile and a half. His six furlong breeze on May 30 at Churchill Downs was eye-catching, as trainer Steve Asmussen hardly ever lets his charges do more than a high gallop. SHACKLEFORD was visually impressive and ultra-game in the Preakness. He might be stretching his pedigree a bit going this far, but his trainer, Dale Romans, has done an excellent job teaching the son of Forestry to rate. If jockey Jesus Castanon can get an uncontested lead, it could be an Old Hilltop redux. BRILLIANT SPEED finished in the Derby like he would enjoy the Belmont. Trainer Tom Albertrani continues to give the Live Oak Plantation colorbearer high marks in the morning. It is also notable that sensational rider Joel Rosario sticks with this colt. MASTER OF HOUNDS ran well in the Derby despite not relishing the Churchill surface in the mornings leading up to the race. I am not convinced that he likes the dirt and I am concerned about his two trans-Atlantic ships in the last month, but not so convinced or concerned that we shouldn’t at least use him in the exotics.
JUDE’S BELMONT STAKES (G1) GRADED HANDICAP AND WAGERING LINE
#9 Animal Kingdom – Solid in all important handicapping aspects 2-1
#6 Nehro – Fresh face has a major upset chance 7-2
#12 Shackleford – A mile and a half will test his pedigree, not his heart 9-2
#5 Brilliant Speed – Training well; Should relish the distance 10-1
#1 Master of Hounds – Two ships a big knock but hard to ignore off his solid Derby run 10-1
#10 Mucho Macho Man – Doubt his new rider will help him put on weight 12-1
#8 Prime Cut – Not sure he fits at the distance or the class 25-1
#4 Santiva – Looks overmatched once again 30-1
#2 Stay Thirsty – Long time between drinks 30-1
#7 Monzon – Will need major improvement to threaten these 50-1
#3 Ruler On Ice – Pedigree suggests distance impairment 50-1
#11 Isn’t He Perfect – Isn’t he still slow? 99-1
BEST OF LUCK AT THE WINDOWS!
