Pony Picks for Saturday – Belmont Park Race 8

Belmont Park’s feature is a Grade II this Saturday, but for BetOnline online racebook fans, the best bet might be found in Race 8, a state-bred allowance at 6 ½ furlongs.

Often times the best bets on a race day aren’t always found in the featured race. By not just looking to bet graded or stakes races, horseplayers can make sure to keep themselves sharp handicapping wise.

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

Belmont Park – Race 8

State Bred Allowance $43,000 n1x

For Three Year Olds and Upward NY Bred Which Have Never Won a Race Other Than Maiden, Claiming or Starter or Which Have Never Won Two Races

6 ½ furlongs on dirt

Fierce Rival – - 8/1 morning line

This Richard Dutrow trainee broke his maiden first time and now jumps into a state-bred allowance as a big underdog. The main reason is because he won his maiden with a fairly low speed rating. He’ll need to do better in this race, but there’s no reason for him not to as he should definitely improve and jockey John Velasquez, who takes over for Garret Gomez as Gomez has returned to the West Coast, figures to give him a perfect stalking ride from the 10 hole. He’s the play in this race.

Rereadthefootnotes – - 7/2 morning line

This son of Readthefootnotes broke his maiden first time asking in 2008 but then in two subsequent races just couldn’t get it done. Now, trainer Keiren McLaughlin brings him back off of an extended layoff. He has the speed to stay a length or two behind the two confirmed front-runner in this and should have enough, based on his work tab, to make a move in the stretch.

Williams Thomas – - 3/1 morning line

William Thomas was absolutely fantastic when breaking his maiden at the 5 furlong distance in his last race. It was his first off of a layoff and the way he won, by taking the lead and just drawing, off was indeed impressive. But he has to go a furlong and a half more in this and there is other speed that will take him on early. He’s got a shot but at the odds, I have to pass.

Wagering Strategy

I’m going to bet Fierce Rival to win and place. I will put Fierce Rival, Rereadthefootnotes and William Thomas into an exacta and trifecta box.