Capper's Corner

All eyes will be on Belmont Park today, the epicenter of racing in the golden ages of the 1970’s when the great Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed took down racing’s most illustrious prize. Its been 36 years and 11 failed attempts, but Cali Chrome will look to avenge the luck of his predecessors today in front of 120,000 fans at sun-drenched Belmont.

I will look to redeem myself from a couple of lack luster triple crown performances – here are my selections for today’s race.

11 – Tonalist – 8-1 – I think we will get better value than the ML as the betting public will look at this horse with skepticism in the class department. I say no so fast. He ran 2^nd to Constitution, who was regarded as one of the best 3yo’s this spring before his injury. Also, The Peter Pan Stakes was better than it looked as he raced against the bias that day – he was the only wire to wire in 8 races on the card that day. Savvy trainer can get him ready and the breeding on the dam says he can get the distance.

1 – Medal Count 20-1 – Liked him in the derby and he has been training lights out. Astute followers of this blog know that I have history of turning my derby selection failures into Belmont gold – Birdstone, Stay Thirsty and Palace Malice to name a few.

2 – Cali Chrome – 3-5 – He has made a believer out of me and I will be cheering for him to win, but will be playing underneath to get some value as the derby distance may prove too much for him today,

2 horses who could make noise late and clunk up for 3^rd or 4^th is Commissioner, who is a long shot trained by Pletcher and well bred for the distance, and Wicked Strong, who was the victim of some tough luck in the derby.

From a pace perspective, Samraat and General A rod will be out front with Tonalist and Chrome stalking. I like the latter two to kick on turning from home with Tonalist prevailing late and medal count flying to nip Chrome for 2^nd. Commissioner or Wicked strong will run late for 4^th.

Good Luck and go Chrome !!