Belmont Park Race 8 – Horse Pick of the Day

Both Churchill Downs and Hollywood Park are off today which is why horse betting fans will find the bet of the day at Belmont in New York.

Belmont always showcases some of the best horses, jockeys and trainers in the United States.

Race 8 at Belmont, a $25,000 optional claimer, is no exception.

Let’s analyze Race 8 at Belmont Park on Thursday.

Belmont Park – Race 8

$25,000 Optional Claiming n2x

For Fillies and Mares Three Years Old and Upward Foaled in New York State and Approved by the New York State-Bred Registry Which Have Never Won Two Races Other Than Maiden, Claiming or Starter or Which Have Never Won Three Races or Optional Claiming Price of $25,000

1 mile on dirt

Gattinara – - 10/1 morning line odds

There is precious little speed in this race and Gattinara figures to either go for the lead and try to draw off or sit behind the expected pace setter, Stormy’s Smile. Gattinara is a definite player in this because Stormy’s Smile might not want the lead or might not be as dominant as some might think on the front end going into this optional claiming race after having only one good race to her credit. Gattinara is at the level one would expect. She could get it done.

Karakorum Fugitive – - 7/5 morning line

On paper, she looks like a stand out after compiling a record of 2-0-3 after 5 lifetime races. She could find herself in the garden spot in this if Gattinara and Stormy’s Smile hooks up early but her ability to pass either one of those might have to be questioned as she has finished 3rd in three straight races after winning her first two lifetime races. She could be very good or just a normal horse in this race. Still, on paper, she dominates.

Point Me To It – - 6/1 morning line

Both Stormy’s Smile and Olde Glamour figure to get most of the play in this race after Karakorum Fugitive. That’s okay because this daughter of Precise End could be sitting on a victory after going 3 wide and tiring in her last. Trainer Gary Contessa isn’t having a very good Belmont meet but Point Me To It looked very good two races ago and then bounced in her last. If she bounces back, then she has a shot because she has some good races to her credit.

Wagering Strategy

If Gattinara holds her odds, then I will bet her to win, place and show. I will put her into an exacta box with Karakorum Fugitive and Point Me To It. I will bypass the trifecta bet in this race.