Belmont | Race 6 | Post Time 4:05 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs 
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There’s not much to nitpick in the recent form of the likely favorite Classic Lady (#8). She’s finished second at this level twice now, but she’s been beaten by some quality rivals on each occasion. The winner of her last, War Canoe, returned to finish a strong second behind the talented Fifty Five in the John Hettinger two weeks ago. Classic Lady’s versatile running style should ensure that she works out a good trip once again, and she’s simply the horse to beat if she maintains her recent form. However, I don’t think it would be wise to just concede this race to her because there are others to consider.

I’m not a big fan of Lovely La La (#5), who has had her chances at this level and lost at short prices on multiple occasions. This is probably her best distance, but I just don’t trust her to finish off a race. Out of Trouble’s (#3) best effort gives her a big chance, but she was no match for her vastly improved stablemate Dream Passage last time. I thought she actually ran pretty well two back when just losing to Classic Lady by a head, and a mile is arguably the best distance for her.

My top pick is SHORT POUR (#1), who attempts to win back-to-back races. The stretch-out in distance did the trick last time as Short Pour was able to make far better use of her tactical speed under a confident ride from Jose Ortiz. She didn’t even break well that day, but he rushed up to set a fast pace and never looked back. She had encountered trouble in her two prior sprint starts to kick off the year, so her overall form is stronger than it appears. This one-turn distance should suit her, and it’s not as if she needs the lead to be successful. I think this improving 3-year-old can step up in class.

THE PLAY

Win: 1
Exacta Key Box: 1 with 3,5,8
Trifecta: 1,8 with 1,8 with 2,3,4,5,11