I’m back and raring to go. The Saturday card at Belmont is not a great weekend card. There are a few short fields, and a few really poor fields. I’m doing a 10 race analysis and giving each race an A, B or C in terms of betting potential. “A” races are those where I think the selections are solid and the betting opportunities represent value. “C” races are those where either there is a lot of ambiguity or the betting value is low. “B” is somewhere between.

Race 1      Betting Value – C

I’m not seeing a lot of ambiguity in this race, but I’m not seeing great value either. The first two choices look like the highest probability winners. My Place was claimed by David Jacobson at Saratoga and he ran her back in a $35K NW3 race at 7F. The drop in claiming price is concerning, but the switch from Worrie to Castellano should improve the horse. Island Candy won a $50K starter allowance last out and is another one with a head scratching drop in price. If she runs back to any of her last three she should be dueling to the wire. Of the other starters, perhaps South Sound can be given a second look. She has a little bit a speed and may push Island Candy.

2-4-7

Race 2      Betting Value – C

Artemus Paperboy was claimed by David Jacobson last out. That race was a bit of a clunker, but he does get some time off and a strong series of works to get ready for this race. Americas Guest opened his career in the slop at SAR, showed speed and got swallowed by the field in the stretch. Manny Franco subs for the suspended Irad Ortiz. Perhaps a faster track will be the tonic for the horse. Hi Speed Chase is coming off a nine month layoff and trainer Gary Sciacca is not well known as a layoff trainer. He showed some speed as a juvenile and was beaten by some decent runners, including Commanding Curve. I’m leaning toward giving him a race. Dickens is another layoff horse dropping from straight maidens to claimers. He has a shot at a minor award. Boss Daddy was claimed off his maiden run by Adele Adsit. She has been training well with a limited stable and wouldn’t be a huge surprise.

3-6-7

Race 3      Betting Value – C