America’s Finest Racing and handicapper (and avid gambler) Monique Vág crew as much as present horseplayers with their greatest bets of the weekend.
Vág will establish her prime picks in addition to no less than one longshot play of the weekend, a pleasant alternative to swing for the fences on a win guess or to take a shot with a present guess. She additionally will often search for sturdy exacta performs for the weekend or attempt to spot a pleasant alternative for different wagers.
This Weekend’s Bets
Saturday, Oct. 23
Longshot Play
Belmont Park, Race 6, 3:15 p.m. ET
#10 Cousin Andrew: This gelding makes his first begin off the declare for brand spanking new coach Linda Rice who’s clicking at a 22 p.c fee with new recruits. It’s attention-grabbing to see him making an attempt his luck on the turf for the primary time after some actually strong efforts on the filth the place he picked up some checks.
I’m very curious to see how his velocity will translate on the turf, as a result of amongst this group he appears to be one of many quickest. I additionally like that he will likely be racing with out blinkers – he raced with out them in his final begin and though it was versus simpler, he appeared good. I’m prepared to take a shot on this gelding who ought to provide plenty of worth.
Finest Wager
Keeneland, Race 6, 3:40 p.m. ET
#4 Mystic Night time: This gelding adopted his maiden breaking rating with a dominant allowance victory posting a 104 Pace Determine in Could. Since then, he’s put forth two good efforts settling for runner-up finishes whereas disappointing as a short-priced favourite in each outings.
On Saturday he will get John Velazquez on board for the primary time and will get to chop again in distance. Each of these are sometimes recipes for achievement. He’s going to take plenty of assist, and rightfully so – he is clearly the one to beat.
Longshot Play
Keeneland, Race 8, 4:44 p.m. ET
#9 Spectacular Gem: He’s a comparatively new acquisition for coach Brendan Walsh who has solely educated him for one begin so far, on Sept. 9 at Kentucky Downs. That was his first begin 5 months, and in that outing, he broke gradual from the gate and was by no means concerned.
I’m anticipating to see fairly a little bit of enchancment in his second begin underneath new care and returning to route racing. He will likely be making his debut as a first-time gelding, and I’m hoping to see much more early velocity – that will probably give him his greatest likelihood at touchdown within the winner’s circle.
Finest Wager
Belmont Park, Race 9, $400,000 Hill Prince Stakes, 4:52 p.m. ET
#9 Public Sector: He’s appeared particular placing forth back-to-back victories in his most up-to-date two outings throughout the graded stakes ranks. He’s been capable of capitalize off two excellent stalking journeys. This time round he attracts inside two of his predominant rivals and has the luxurious of watching what enfolds speed-wise to the surface of him.
He’s beaming with confidence proper now and though this can be a notably deep discipline, I like his probabilities to make it three straight victories.
