| 1 |
Chocolate Candy
 |
Jerry Hollendorfer
Garrett Gomez |
Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer hated his trip in the Derby, but so did almost everyone else. It's the Derby, bad trips happen all the time. Figures to take plenty of action with Gomez climbing aboard but I really think the distance is beyond his scope. |
| 2 |
Dunkirk
 |
Todd Pletcher
John Velazquez |
I've been a HUGE fan of this guy since the day he broke his maiden. Would have won the Florida Derby if it wasn't for a jazzed up course. I can't believe the Derby is indicative of what this colt truly has to offer. I'm glad to see Prado off and Johnny V on. Velazquez fits his style perfectly while Prado has been slumping badly. I also like the karma factor as this scenario is the exact one that played out two years ago when Rags to Riches won this for these guys. Figures to be lying in a perfect spot early on and is one of just a few that figures to relish the added distance. I think he's ready to run the race of his life. |
| 3 |
Mr. Hot Stuff
 |
Eoin Harty
Edgar Prado |
I talked myself into using this horse in the bottom of my exotics on Derby Day and wound up wasting more money than I should have. He didn't have the best trip and was stuck with a bad inside post but he still never fired. I don't like the fact that Harty has worked him solely over synthetics leading up to the Belmont and think he may be a cut below these. With all that said, I think he may be one of the few that will actually handle the added distance so he rates a chance at a minor award, but nothing more. |
| 4 |
Summer Bird
 |
Tim Ice
Ken Sesormeaux |
Can't say I'm thrilled with the work tab and trainer Tim Ice changed the colts' shoes in his last work because he didn't think he was taking to the track, which is a terrible sign. He's one of those that doesn't really excite me, though he might be able to take advantage of the fact that most of these probably don't want to go this far. He'll be moving late but will need the others to be backing up to have any chance at getting a share. |
| 5 |
Luv Gov
 |
D. Wayne Lukas
Miguel Mena |
Lukas said before the Preakness that this was the race that figured to suit this colt best. The truth of the matter is and entry level allowance race or a high priced claimer might be asking too much at this point. |
| 6 |
Charitable Man
 |
Kiaran McLaughlin
Alan Garcia |
There is a serious debate as to whether or not this horse will be on the lead or sitting second. I'm of the belief he'll sit off Miner's Escape but I could be wrong. Regardless, he'll have first jump on the other top names in here and should be in front at some point. The question is, how long will he stay there? McLaughlin has been awfully confident this week but I think the lack of seasoning is going to ultimately be his undoing as far as winning the whole thing. Should last for a share. |
| 7 |
Mine That Bird
 |
Chip Woolley Jr.
Calvin Borel |
After another couple of weeks of playing the waiting game, Borel is back aboard and everyone is overwhelmed with joy. I guess I didn't get the memo that Borel was the best jockey in the land. Yes, he gave this gelding a great ride in the Derby but how about we give the horse some credit as well? The funny thing is I think Borel is actually going to cost this horse the Belmont because he'll keep him closer than he should be and will likely use some of his energy early. You can't throw him out but it is highly unlikely that he'll win. |
| 8 |
Flying Private
 |
D. Wayne Lukas
Julian Leparoux |
Along with Mine That Bird, he'll be the only other horse to contest all three legs of this seasons' Triple Crown. Why, I don't know. Did close well in Preakness, but maybe that took too much out of him and finished him off. I guess he has a chance to grab a minor share but so do a few others. |
| 9 |
Miner's Escape
 |
Nick Zito
Jose Lezcano |
While most think Charitable Man will set the pace I think this guy will be the one on the engine. The problem is, unlike last year when Big Brown was a finished product by the time the Belmont came around and Da' Tara was able to lope along on the lead; the ones that will be behind this guy are fresh and ready. Can't see it. |
| 10 |
Brave Victory
|
Nick Zito
Rajiv Maragh |
Sometimes, I like a horse despite the fact that the cons outweigh the pros. That's the case here. If Maragh plays his cards right, he should be picking them up as the others start to lie down. Another who would need everything to go perfectly to win but feel he has a strong shot to hit the board. |
