Belmont Park Race 8 – The Winning Pick

Its back to Belmont Park for BetOnline online racebook betting fans on Wednesday as Belmont is the only track, out of the big three of Belmont, Hollywood, and Churchill, that is running on Wednesdays during these hard economic times.

That’s not a problem because Belmont is easily the classiest track in the United States offering racing action right now. The quality of horses, trainers, and jockeys just doesn’t come close anywhere else in the states.

Let’s take a look at Race 8 at Belmont Park on Wednesday.

Belmont – Race 8

Allowance $46,000 n1x

For Fillies and Mares Three Years Old and Upward Which Have Never Won a Race Other Than Maiden, Claiming, Starter, or Restricted, or Which Have Never Won Two Races

1 1/16th miles on inner turf

Solo Piano – - 4/1 morning line

The four year old daughter of Empire Maker, trained by Bobby Frankel, and ridden by Ramon Dominguez, should have things all her way on the front end in this race. She returns to the turf where she had some success running against some big time fillies out in SoCal, will get an easy lead on a turf course that favors speed, and should draw off with little problems in this. She’s a huge play in this race at very nice odds.

Forest Trail – - 3/1 morning line

The key with Forest Trail will be whether or not the blinkers, affixed to her for the first time in this race, leads to her challenging Solo Piano for the lead. If Forest Trail simply runs her usual race, sticking around 4 or 5 lengths off the pace, then Solo Piano should have no trouble going gate to wire. But, if Forest Trail can challenge, then she can beat Solo Piano. It’s a tough call for horseplayers. I see more speed coming out of Forest Trail with the blinkers but not enough to challenge Solo Piano.

Blitzen Too – - 2/1 morning line

Her speed ratings say that she probably should win this race but that’s not the only thing to like about Blitzen Too. The terrific Alan Garcia takes the call and she’s trained by Christophe Clement who is winning at a 30% clip at the meet. The knocks? She hasn’t run since November of 2008 and will need someone to challenge Solo Piano on the lead in order to win this. Also, she could be prepping for a stakes or graded race later on in the summer.

Wagering Strategy

Solo Piano deserves a bet to win and place in this race. I will also bet Solo Piano in an exacta over Blitzen Too and Forest Trail. I will reverse for less. I will key Solo Piano in a trifecta in all three slots with Blitzen Too, Forest Trail and the 8 to 1 shot, Sonic Sound.