First of all, let me say that Belmont Park is one of my favorite places in the world.  There’s something about being in the back yard, looking up at those huge, ivy covered arches  . . . . and for years, I felt my specialty was playing the turf races there.

Oddly enough, I don’t have the strongest inclinations on this race.

I’m going to make my top pick the #9 Meantime.   Going the right way with his Beyers, and i’m not in love with any of the others.  The race shape is a little murky, as a number of these have the option of laying close, or dropping back.  My strongest opinion is that I am against the favorite, Irish War Cry, as i didn’t like the way he came home in the Wood.  Even though he is by Curlin, I don’t think he wants the distance.

I will have a small win play on Meantime (he could walk the dog on the front end, and he is likely as good as any of these).  Second choice will be #6 Lookin at Lee just based on form, and I’ll use #8 Senior Investment, #3 Gormley, and #2 Tapwrit underneath in some exotics.

Overall, the NYRA has put together a very nice card.  I will focus on the early pick 5, and will take a look at the $250k guaranteed pick 3, which ends with Songbird.

(But I still think the Met Mile should be Memorial Day weekend !)