WUNDERDOG (HORSES)
Just to pre-heat the big one (Race 11)
BELMONT Race #5 at 1:50 PM Eastern
Top pick: #9 (CARBON COUNTY) - Lightly raced colt by Suave did not race at two and finished a strong 3rd when debuting Jan 23 at Gulfstream racing for $35K and he did so from a difficult outside post. Sent north soon after, 3yo had a trainer change to Chad Brown at that point and new barn moved him in with fellow New York-breds for a start facing special weights on the Aqueduct infield Apr 10. Result was a very easy win as he tracked early, bid when asked, and drew off to just over a 5 length win. Latest saw him run evenly in an optional-$25K claimer and Brown will cut him back in distance for this attempt. Colt has a pair of sharp works for this and can take this competitive contest with a late run.
2nd pick: #4 (Dual Citizen) - Showed both talent and ability last season in 4 starts on this circuit facing both New York-breds and open company and finished a pace setting 2nd on this surface at this trip in late Oct in a $80K stakes race facing open foes. Taken to Florida over the winter, he trained but did not start and in his seasonal debut here he tired in a turf sprint which should set him up nicely for today's longer race. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Dream Drop Kid) - Son of Lemon Drop Kid went wire to wire in his first start on the grass to break his maiden by 2 1/2 lengths going 7 furlongs on this course May 11. That effort came in his 2nd off the layoff and with blinkers added for the first time. His speed makes him dangerous.
4th pick: #10 (Holy Ego) - Moves up in class after a sharp win going 7 furlongs here on the grass May 14 facing $25K open claimers. Race came off a 5 month break and made him the only multiple winner on this turf course (2 for 5), working very fast since and he's a threat at a big price.
5th pick: #7 (Hangover Kid) - Recent maiden winner did so on this surface in his first start on the grass and first facing fellow New York-breds. Another son of Lemon Drop Kid, and he could grab a small slice of this, especially if the pace is fast.