Belmont at Aqueduct Best Bets
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT PICKS: First, a few words regarding my Kentucky Derby selections… Mr. Ed laid an egg. Due to extensive renovations at Belmont Park, all NY circuit races, with the exception of Belmont at Saratoga (June) and the regular Saratoga eight-week season (July-Labor Day), will be conducted at Aqueduct for the next two years.
PREAKNESS PROBABLES: Muth, Mystik Dan, Imagination, Just Steel, Seize the Grey, Copper Tax, Uncle Heavy, Informed Patriot and Mugatu. The second jewel in the Triple Crown will be run over Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on Saturday, May 18. Look for Mr. Ed’s selections for Black-Eyed Susan for sophomore gals next Friday and the Preakness stakes-rich card on Saturday.
TODAY’S ACTION: Mr. Ed tackles all four of the graded stakes at B/A today, also a very competitive allowance contest. Post time for the first race is 12:35 p.m. ET/9:35 a.m. PT.
B/A Race 2 (1:04 p.m. ET/10:04 a.m. PT) — G3 $175K BEAUGAY STAKES at 1 1/16-mile on turf for fillies, 4YOs & up
Mr. Ed likes #2 NEECIE MARIE (8-1 morning line) to upset the field in a tough turf test. Gal returns from a dull off-the-turf effort last Fall for trainer Robert Reid. Joel Rosario climbs aboard for the first time.
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT PICK is $10 to Win and box in $5 Exactas with 4&5. ($30)
B/A Race 4 (2:06 p.m. ET/11:06 p.m. PT) — G3 $175K RUNHAPPY STAKES at 6 furlongs for 4YOs & up
I think the chalky #1 STRAIGHT NO CHASER (1-1 morning line) is not to be headed in a compact, fast field. Out-of-towner Juan Landeros gives HOFer Johnny Velazquez a leg up. Buffalo Trace, please.
MR. ED’S BEST BET OF THE DAY is $30 to Win. ($30)
B/A Race 6 (3:08 p.m. ET/12:08 p.m. PT) — G3 $200K PETER PAN STAKES at 1 ⅛-mile for 3YOs
Mr. Ed is betting on talented NY-bred #3 THE WINE STEWARD (5-2 morning line) to catch others in the stretch to capture prestigious stakes after a solid Place finish in Lexington Stakes. Mike Maker trains and Luis Saez retains the mount. On to the Belmont. Cork, please.
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT PICK is $30 to Win. ($30)
Race 7 (3:39 p.m. ET/12:39 p.m. PT) — MAN OF WAR STAKES at 1 ⅜-mile on turf for 4YOs & up
Mr. Ed finds three worth a shot in grass marathon: ultra-consistent #5 TAWNY PORT (6-1 morning line) for Clement-Ortiz Jr. combo; #8 SILVER KNOTT (3-1) for Appleby-Prat, and #9 NATIONS PRIDE (8-5) for Appleby and Dettori.
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT PICK is $5 EXACTA BOX OF 5,8,9. ($30)
Race 9 (4:42 p.m. ET/1:42 p.m. ET) — $102K ALLOWANCE CLAIMING at 1 1/16-mile on turf for 3YOs & up
#6 OCEAN ATLANTIQUE (7-2 morning line) is my choice as gelding drops to lowest price ever after posting 91 speed figure vs. better. Mike Maker trains. Luis Saez stays in the irons. How deep is the ocean?
BELMONT AT AQUEDUCT PICK is $10 to Win & Place. ($20)
TOTAL WAGERS: $140
