Belmont | Race 2 | Post Time 2:02 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
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The Drawing Away Stables entry figures to be favored in this spot. The stronger half of the pair appears to be Fair Regis (#1A), who has been a presence at or around this level for the past eight months. Save an ambitious placement against stakes company last fall and a poor effort Feb. 9 when compromised by a rail bias, she’s run well in almost all of her recent starts. She could not catch the returning Sue’s Fortune last time, but that filly flattered the effort when she returned to finish a strong second in the Jersey Girl last weekend. She has tactical speed and is drawn well outside of her main pace rivals.

My top pick is ARCHUMYBABY (#5). This mare exploded with a surprising win in the Videogenic back in March, earning a career-best 99 TimeformUS Speed Figure. Her subsequent performances don’t quite measure up to that standard, but she’s had excuses. She got the wrong trip April 19 as she was repeatedly shuffled back on the turn, and then she was forced to chase wide against a strong rail bias on May 18. She gets a positive rider switch to Irad Ortiz in her second start off the claim for Linda Rice. She has the tactical speed to sit closer to the pace this time and figures to be a square price.

I would also include the two Charlton Baker-trained runners, Forever Changed(#2) and Our Super Nova (#6). The former is harder to trust as she returns from a lengthy layoff, but she showed some potential as a 2-year-old and has a right to step forward. Our Super Nova benefited from a fast early pace last time when she closed for second behind Carrera Cat, but she’s clearly in solid form right now.

THE PLAY

Win: 5
Exacta Key Box: 5 with 1,2,6
Trifecta: 5 with 1,6 with ALL