It was such a fun exercise last week, I thought I would do it again. This week's races are Belmont 4 through 11, and if you are playing along, you might as well join Equibase for free and put your picks in there as well, as they are hosting a free online contest with the same races. The winner gets $500. Here you just get a whole lot of "attaboys!"
Our format is the same as the National Handicapping Championship - mythical $2 Win and Place wagers on one horse in each of the eight races. You may play two entries if you like. Highest bankroll wins. A scratch of your choice gets you the post-time favorite, unless you make a change in the comments prior to the post time of the race. If you play, please log back in sometime after the contest and post your final bankroll for each entry so that we may see who wins (yes, you gotta keep your own score...we're grownups and I trust you. No red-boarding please, because what would be the point!?!) I view these practice sessions as me versus a goal. Mine is $80, which, I feel, were it an NHC-qualifying contest, would put one in contention for a berth in Vegas.
Now, here are the contest races. So that this post isn't inordinately long, and because I think it is always helpful to wait for the early scratches, as lines and race shapes can change, I will post my picks in the comments section tomorrow morning. By the way the pace designations are from me...just how I think the races look. Good luck!
Belmont 4 - Allowance 62k, 7 furlongs, post = 1:11 EST. Shape = Honest
Belmont 5 - Allowance 63k, 1 1/16 miles on turf, post = 1:52 EST. Shape = Honest
Belmont 6 - Woody Stephens Stakes, 7 furlongs (G2), post = 2:34 EST. Shape = Fast
Belmont 7 - Just A Game Stakes (G1), 1 mile on turf, post = 3:16 EST. Shape = Honest or Lone Early
Belmont 8 - True North Hcp (G2), 6 furlongs, post = 4:00 EST. Shape = Honest
Belmont 9 - Acorn Stakes (G1), 1 mile, post = 4:46 EST. Shape = Very Fast
Belmont 10 - Woodford Reserve Manhattan Hcp (G1), 1 mile on turf, post = 5:36. Shape = Honest
Belmont 11 - Belmont Stakes (G1), 1 1/2 miles, post 6:32. Shape = Honest