Belmont | Race 9 | Post Time 5:12 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs | Not already a TimeformUS member? Sign up 

There are a couple of runners coming out of second race at this level on April 17 won by Bricco. Ghostmon (#12) ran well in his turf debut that day, closing willingly through the lane to get up for second. He had some minor turf pedigree so it wasn’t a huge shock that he handled it that day. The problem is that he was 10-1 last time and now he could be favored, though he’s obviously a contender. I prefer a different rival out of that race. 

JADE’S DREAM (#9) did not get the savviest ride from Manny Franco in his return to turf that day. He had shown speed in all of his prior turf starts, with some success. Yet Franco was totally unaggressive coming out of the gate last time, allowing half the field to pass him in the opening furlong. Jade’s Dream wound up too far back in the early going, made a premature move on the backstretch, and then got shuffled back again coming to the top of the stretch. He actually finished well when he finally got into the clear, but the race was over at that point. He’s better than that and I would imagine he’ll be on or near the lead this time with Kendrick Carmouche taking over the reins. 

I would also use Voliero (#7) off the claim for Mike Maker, though I wasn’t thrilled with his return last time. The more interesting horse out of that race may be Eight Weeks Long (#10), who was always in traffic last time while never able to be maneuvered into the clear under Eric Cancel. He’s a horse who can be green at times, but he has more ability than he showed last time.

THE PLAY

Win: 9

Exacta Key Box: 9 with 7,10,12

Trifecta: 9 with 10 with 1,7,12