belmont

Las Vegas - Covid-19 has turned the entire world of sports upside down, which is why the Belmont Stakes, normally the third leg of the Triple Crown, is now up first. But my horse guy, Martin Calia, still has both feet firmly on the ground, looking straight ahead, and ready to cash a few tickets.

Marty, the floor, or the dirt, or the grass, is all yours.

"Gonna start with the early pick 5, a tiny 50 cent wager, Races 1 thru 5. Here's my ticket for $18.
Race 1- 1-8-9
Race 2- 1-2-3-4
Race 3- 6
Race 4- 1
Race 5- 2-7-8

In the 3rd, I singled number 6 Indian Pride. This Chad Brown trainee finished 3rd in the Grade 2
Raven Run at Keeneland, and his Beyer Speed Figures tower over the field. Probably your even money favorite. Lets place a big fat Benjamin to win on number 6.

Also singled number 1 in the 4th race, Decorated Invader. Christophe Clement is 8 for 34 at Belmont, a 24% win rate. Invader has a Grade 1 win under his belt and was a fast closing 4th in the BC Turf last year at Santa Anita. He should be flying late for the win with Joel Rosario in the irons. Lets also throw a Benjamin on number 1 to win.

Here is what you need to know about the Belmont Stakes:
It will be run at a mile and an eighth not a mile and a half, with only one turn, not two turns.
There will be Kentucky Derby points for the first four finishers (150-60-30-15).
Oh, and I almost forgot, NO FANS in the stands!

Even though it is not your typical Triple Crown format moving forward, this is how the road will be paved. The Belmont Stakes today June 20th, then the Kentucky Derby on September 5th, and the Preakness Stakes on October 3rd.

Now for Race 10, The Belmont.

The 6/5 morning line favorite is Tiz the Law. He is 4 for 5 with his only loss coming in the slop at Churchill Downs. In the four wins he has won by an average of 4 lengths at the finish. He also has two Grade 1 wins, the Florida Derby and the Champagne. No other runner in this field has a Grade 1 win or a triple digit Beyer Speed Figure. The trainer, Barclay Tagg, trained Funny Cide to a Kentucky Derby and Preakness win in 2003. The colt is training lights out and should win the first leg of the Triple Crown. He has the early tactical speed to stay close to the front runners and then motor by the field at the top of the stretch. The bet is a full Benjamin to win on number 8, Tiz the Law and a $5 exacta, wheeling the number 8 with all the rest."

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