Belmont at the Big A: Thursday, September 21 Analysis, Selections

Belmont at the Big A will run its first card of the week on Thursday. The card looks good for horseplayers with some big fields. Bigger fields mean more places for money to be spread around and bigger winning payouts.

Blow to the Industry

After seeing a boom of betting in 2020 during the pandemic, horse racing has returned to a life as usual approach. Little was done to engage the new bettors to becoming life-long racing fans and with the proliferation of sports betting, racing has seen a sharp decline in the participation within the sport.

Closing Tracks

Arlington Park was bought by CDI and run into the ground. Calder aka Gulfstream Park West was closed. In the harness world, Pompano was closed. This domino of tracks closing has been one of many indicators that the sport is in need of some new energy.

West Coast Tracks Join The Cut

Earlier this year it was announced that Golden Gate Fields would run its final meet in northern California. This week another track joined the long list of tracks that will cease racing operations. Turf Paradise in Arizona has officially declared that they will not reopen for live racing.

The closure means no live racing in Arizona which voids the ability to run betting parlors. The closing of the track will also mean the loss of 37 off site betting locations in the state.

Full Card Analysis

Belmont at the Big A- 1

Post time: 1:05 PM ET; $75k Maiden Special Weight over 6 1/2 f on dirt; Field: 7 Entries

• #4 MISCHIEF JOKE (6-5) looks the deserving favorite here. He appears to be the class of the field and possesses the pedigree to be a significant contender in this spot.
• #3 PERLIANO (9-2) seems to be a likely contender to be in the mix for a spot on the tote board. He demands respect, going out under the guidance of the Atras-Franco combination.
• #7 OFFICER DERICK (10-1) looks like a price horse. While he might be running for minor placings, he’s demonstrated consistency in recent starts and seems poised for a strong performance here.
• #5 WONDER WONDERLAND (20-1) is an extreme longshot and also appears to be vying for the minor placings in this contest.

Selections: 4 – 3 – 7 – 5

Belmont at the Big A- 2

Post time: 1:36 PM ET; $105k Allowance Optional Claiming covering 1 m on dirt; Field: 7 Entries

• #5 KINETIC SKY (7-2) takes the top spot here. With tactical speed, he can position himself just off the leaders for a stalking and pouncing strategy. Recent performances suggest he’s in excellent form.
• #4 SHERIFF BIANCO (9-2) emerges as a major contender in this race, boasting performances strong enough to challenge this field’s best. He appears to be the class of the pack.
• #2 BABY YODA (6-1) is another significant player in this race, showing performances capable of outdoing this group. He enters the race in impressive form.
• #3 BEST ACTOR (2-1) also deserves attention in this competitive field. His performances stack up well, and he possesses tactical speed for a stalking and pouncing strategy.

Selections: 5 – 4 – 2 – 3

Belmont at the Big A- 3

Post time: 2:07 PM ET; $52k Starter Allowance covering 1 1/8 m on dirt; Field: 7 Entries

• #7 MYSTIC NIGHT (5-2) appears to have the upper hand. Holding the highest overall power rating among the contenders, he’s likely to sit in the second tier of runners and execute a well-timed charge at the leaders.
• #1 PORTOS (5-1) could make a late surge and has a strong closing kick that might secure victory in this race.
• #5 LOOKIN AT ROSES (2-1) isn’t without hope, but he’ll need to rely on tactical speed to position himself just behind the leaders and pounce when the opportunity arises. He also boasts the top overall power rating.
• #6 CUT THE CORD (5-1) is another contender in this race, primarily based on his speed figures.

Selections: 7 – 1 – 5 – 6

Belmont at the Big A- 4

Post time: 2:39 PM ET; $105k Allowance Optional Claiming covering 1 m on turf; Field: 8 Entries

• #2 KURAMATA (5-2) secures the top selection here. He has displayed consistency in recent outings and seems primed for a strong performance, potentially benefiting from a lively pace upfront.
• #6 WINFROMWITHIN (4-1) is expected to be competitive in this race, having demonstrated an ability to handle these conditions in previous starts.
• #4 DUKE OF HAZZARD (3-1) is another contender in this field, with favorable speed figures and solid recent performances.
• #1A MID DAY IMAGE (5-1) may surprise in this race, going out under the guidance of Jacobson and Ortiz. He could benefit from the race setup.

Selections: 2 – 6 – 4 – 1A

Belmont at the Big A- 5

Post time: 3:11 PM ET; $90k Maiden Special Weight covering 6 f on turf; Field: 12 Entries

• #3 MATERIAL WITNESS (7-2) is the top selection here. She is expected to handle the distance comfortably and is under the guidance of the Atras-Franco team.
• #7 OOLONG HAI (6-1) is the likely class of the field and should be considered a strong contender.
• #9 ISOLA (8-1) may be running for minor placings, but her recent consistency suggests she’s ready to deliver a strong performance.
• #11 CATSKILL HUMOR (10-1) is a price horse and could make a competitive run, although she might need a strong late rally to do so.

Selections: 3 – 7 – 9 – 11

Belmont at the Big A- 6

Post time: 3:43 PM ET; $55k Claiming covering 1 m on dirt; Field: 12 Entries

• #4 SIX PERCENT (3-1) looks to be the strongest contender here, and the distance shouldn’t pose any issues for him.
• #1A TWO THIRTY FIVE (5-1) is a suitable candidate for underneath bets on most tickets, especially considering the potential for a fast pace.
• #6 HANDSOME CAT (10-1) is another price horse worth considering for underneath bets, with no concerns about the distance.
• #5 DURKIN’S CALL (6-1) appears to fit well in this field.

Selections: 4 – 1A – 6 – 5

Belmont at the Big A- 7

Post time: 4:17 PM ET; $102k Allowance Optional Claiming covering 1 1/8 m on turf; Field: 9 Entries

• #1 EXACT ESTIMATE (4-1) gets the nod as the top selection. He’s expected to be in the front flight of runners and should have a shot late in the race, running consistently.
• #2 TIDE OF THE SEA (10-1), a price horse, also earns the top selection. He enters the race in excellent form.
• #5 FREEDOM TRAIL (6-1) should be competitive, having demonstrated an ability to handle these conditions in previous outings.
• #3 GOOD SKATE (8-1) is another contender, showcasing consistency in recent starts and making sense based on speed figures.

Selections: 1 – 2 – 5 – 3

Belmont at the Big A- 8

Post time: 4:49 PM ET; $85k Allowance Optional Claiming covering 6 f on dirt; Field: 9 Entries

• #6 RADIO RED (9-2) is the top pick. He has shown consistent form in recent races and appears ready for a strong performance. He seems to fit well in this field.
• #4 MARIACHI (7-2) is considered a major player in this race and shouldn’t have any issues with the distance. He holds the highest overall power rating.
• #5 PERFECT MUNNINGS (5-2) is also a significant contender, going out for the Asmussen barn and with Ortiz as the jockey. His past performances are strong enough to challenge this group.
• #8 BIG ENGINE (6-1) comes into the race in good form and should be considered a major player in this field.

Selections: 6 – 4 – 5 – 8

Belmont at the Big A- 9

Post time: 5:21 PM ET; $43k Maiden Claiming covering 1 1/16 m on turf; Field: 16 Entries

• #12 ATLANTA’S ACUNA (5-1) appears to be the strongest contender here. He’s expected to be positioned on or near the lead and will attempt to fend off challengers to the wire. His ability to handle these conditions has been proven in previous starts.
• #13 JUST FOR LUCK (6-1) is a major player in this race, potentially benefiting from a lively pace upfront. He makes sense based on speed figures.
• #3 SCREW LOOSE (7-2) is another significant contender, looking like the class of the field.
• #16 ACADEMY CHOICE (12-1) is a price horse but could still be a major player, given his previous success under these conditions.

Selections: 12 – 13 – 3 – 16

Betting News Horse Racing Coverage

Betting News provides AI generated handicapping tools for all of the major tracks around the country each and every day.

In addition, Betting News will continue to provide in depth analysis of select cards throughout the week. This week’s analysis will feature the cards listed below.

Saturday

• Belmont at the Big A featuring the Grade 3 Noble Damsel
• Churchill Downs featuring the Grade 3 Dogwood Stakes
• Parx featuring the Grade 1 Cotillion, the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby, and 3 additional graded events.

Sunday

• Remington Park featuring the Grade 3 Oklahoma Derby

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