Thoroughbreds Friday: McMudder has race picks for Belmont and Pimlico

The time between the classics along with a holiday weekend means some really good racing over the next 4 days. Every track is trying to put its best foot forward by hosting cookouts, picnic days, kids activities, and promotions this weekend so get out there and enjoy the weather and the ponies.

Picks for May 24, 2019:

Gorgeous but windy. The winds may cause havoc on some races since track position will play a bigger role. Think about stalkers that can stay covered up.

Belmont Race 1
4-Tenure represents the better of the two Uncle Mo offsprings in the race. Obviously something happened with this one to keep him from debuting as a 2 year old but his recent work tab is solid and he is from top connections. If he was perfect, he would be in a MSW but Trainer Christophe Clement wins for these owners and has done so for a long time. The other Uncle Mo progeny, 3-Driver Dan, gets a class break while moving to a new barn. Trainer Danny Gargan wins when he gets transfers from Midwest Thoroughbreds and this one is well placed. 7-Blacktop Legend gets to cut back in distance and should be running late for a trainer that wins on the drop.
$10 W/P/S 4-Tenure
$2 Exacta Box 3,4,7
$1 Trifecta Box 3,4,7

Belmont Race 8
This first level allowance has been previously attempted by most of the field but they are all still trying. Look for 4-So Charming to break through today as she gets both pace and post to fit her needs. Jockey Johnny V riding for trainer Michael Matz is a strong combination and this one should be running late. 6-Too Cool to Dance is a Chad Brown trained turf filly so she deserves attention, as does 1-Malakeh who ran a good second in this spot for trainer Graham Motion last out after being imported from Europe over the winter.
$10 W/P/S 4-So Charming
$2 Exacta box 1,4,6
$0.50 Trifecta box 1,4,6

Mick’s Quickies

Belmont Race 9 should be pretty spectacular for 4-Pretty Spectacular. She stands out here and gets a huge class break.

Pimlico Race 1 is all about the entries. Pick one or both but combine them in the exotics. Lots of coverage possible with very little money.

Pimlico Race 5 gives 6-Hillsdown the opportunity to finally break through with a much softer field than he has faced previously.

Pimlico Race 8 marks a return to a sprint distance for 2-Red’s Winning Call and that should be enough to get him through this group. The addition of jockey Trevor McCarthy is a positive, too.