Racing at Belmont ParkNYRA

Sunday at the track: Garrity picks Belmont Park, the $50,000 Ellis Park Turf Stakes, & the $75,000 John J. Reilly Handicap at Monmouth Park

We have three plays, at three different tracks, that go to the post just minutes apart, and we expect fast dirt and firm turf in all three. First post is 5:04 pm EDT.

After a big day yesterday, things are much quieter on the national stakes front today. We have three plays, at three different tracks, that go to the post just minutes apart, and we expect fast dirt and firm turf in all three. Let’s go.

Belmont Park, Race 8, 5:04 pm EDT

Allowance, 6 furlongs, Dirt, New York-breds 3 & Up

Eight go in this first-level state-bred allowance. The pick is 8-Tale of the Union. He’s a Bob Baffert trainee who has burned a lot of money in his two 2020 starts, losing as the short-priced favorite in both, but we think here he has found the softest field he’s ever seen in his life. It’s put up or shut up time for him: he’s had excuses in each of his last, with troubled trips, but today he gets an outside post, which should help him avoid traffic. We expect him to bounce back in a big way, and will bet him to win at 2-1. The bet: Belmont Park, Race 8, $30 to win on 8-Tale of the Union.

Ellis Park, Race 8, 5:10 pm EDT

$50,000 Ellis Park Turf Stakes, 1 1/16 miles, Turf, Fillies & Mares 3 & Up

This little stakes race at Ellis Park in Kentucky has ten females going to the post. 3-Sister Hanan is a strong play: she does her best running coming from off the pace, and we think there’s going to be plenty of pace for her to run at. Look for her to be toward the rear early, and flying late. We will bet her to win at 9/2. The bet: Ellis Park, Race 8, $35 to win on 2-Sister Hanan.

Monmouth Park, Race 10, 5:12 pm EDT

$75,000 John J. Reilly Handicap, 6 furlongs, Dirt, New Jersey-breds 3 & Up

The Reilly drew a nice field of ten state-breds. We like 3-Brother Chub. He’s been running well against open company on the Mid-Atlantic circuit and in Florida, and he has been strictly a sprinter, which is not the case with some of the other horses, who are cutting back here from longer races. We think Brother Chub will get a good stalking trip, overtake the leaders at the top of the stretch, and win this one going away. We will bet him to win at 3-1. The bet: Monmouth Park, Race 10, $35 to win on 3-Brother Chub.

That’s all for today. Until next time, enjoy the racing, be safe, and, as always, good luck at the windows.

HorseRacing