Picking Winners from Belmont Park – Race 8 (6:36)

Horse Pick of the Day: Belmont – Race 8
Race-day: 7/24/2009
Race-time: 6:36 pm est.

This being the first week of Del Mar and all some horseplayers might be tempted to only play the races where the “Turf Meets the Surf”. That’s not exactly a bad idea, but Belmont Park, all the way on the other end of the United States, is still holding full card race days.

Our pick of the day on Friday comes out of the 8th at Belmont Park.

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

Belmont Park – Race 8

Optional Claiming $30,000 n2x

Fillies and Mares Three Year Olds 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 $30,000
1 1/16th miles inner turf

Higher Incentive – - 7/2 morning line odds
It’s not just that speed does well on the inner turf. It’s consistent speed that does well on the inner turf. Higher Incentive has that consistent speed, the ability to lay off by a length or two and just cruise along before trying to take over in the stretch, just got done winning on this inner turf course at this distance in her last, and keeps jockey Ramon Dominguez. She has one other speed type to worry about for the victory.

Boxitup/Ambidaxtrous – - 2/1 morning line
It Thomas Bush sends both of these gals out to contest this race, then he could very well find himself with the top two finishers in the race. Both are terrific horses, but both have knocks. Ambidaxtrous couldn’t get to Higher Incentive in her last and might actually bounce off of such a nice effort after a year layoff. Boxitup hasn’t raced since November of 2008. The two make a formidable duo in this race, but betting them to win at low odds doesn’t make sense.

Offhand Remark – - 3/1 morning line
This is the one speed horse that could go after Higher Incentive. The problem is that Offhand Remark doesn’t appear to have the cruising speed that Higher Incentive does and will most likely try to slow it down on the front end. She’s also coming out of the 8th hole which means she might end up having to hustle for position and she could be better at shorter distances. She’s a tough bet at the odds.

Wagering Strategy
I’m going to bet Higher Incentive to win and place. I will put into an exacta and trifecta box with Offhand Remark and Boxitup/Ambidaxtrous.