There is some huge horse racing action to look forward to this weekend, as two Grade 1s take place at Belmont Park. However, which selections should gamblers be making with the best horse racing sportsbooks on these huge races?
Belmont Derby (Grade 1)
Belmont Park’s biggest race of the weekend comes in the form of the Grade 1 Belmont Derby. It will be run over 1 ¼ miles on the turf at the track, and there is currently a very clear favorite in the betting.
Irish raider Bolshoi Ballet will be making the trip to Belmont Park for trainer Aidan O’Brien, and looks to have all the ability to have a strong run this weekend. The three-year-old is four from six, which includes wins in two Grade 3s back in Ireland. He was set off as a heavy favorite for the Epsom Derby, but was slightly disappointing on that day.
Instead of siding with the clear favorite in the betting, we like the chances of Du Jour. This horse is trained by Bill Mott, who has an excellent reputation on the turf. He was very impressive on Kentucky Derby weekend when winning a Grade 2 on the same day, and could be one that is a likely contender for this Grade 1.
Pick: Du Jour
Belmont Oaks (Grade 1)
There is also a filly and mares race on the same card this weekend as Belmont Park. The Belmont Oaks is a Grade 1, which is run over 1 ¼ miles on the turf. Aidan O’Brien also sends a runner for this race from Ireland, as Santa Barbara looks to have all the necessary ability to win this race.
Santa Barbara has come unstuck in England over the past couple of months, but in truth, they were in much biggest tests than this race. She was fourth in the 1,000 Guineas and was second in the Pretty Polly Stakes. The form is good, and should she come into this race without any niggling issues following the trip to New York, she should win.
Plum Ali may be one to keep an eye on. She has been unlucky in recent starts, and will relish the step up in distance. Todd Pletcher has won this race five times in the past, and saddled Higher Truth this weekend.
Pick: Santa Barbara
Delaware Handicap (Grade 2)
Delaware Park also hosts graded action this coming weekend, as the Delaware Handicap takes play. This Grade 2 sees horses compete over a distance of ten furlongs, and it looks set to be a wide open renewal this year.
Bonny South comes into the race in good form, having finished second in the Ogden-Phipps last time out. She was also in fine form in April, when winning the Doubledogdare.
However, we like Miss Marissa in this race. The four-year-old has been progressive throughout the season, and finished second in the Ladies Handicap on her season reappearance. Last season, she won three straight races, including the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, where she beat Bonny South. We could see history repeating itself this weekend.
Pick: Miss Marissa
Other Selected Graded Picks
| Race | Pick |
|---|---|
| Victory Ride (Grade 3)- Belmont Park | Red Girl |
| Robert Dick Memorial (Grade 3)- Delaware | Blame Debbie |
| July Cup (Group 1)- Sandown | Chil Chil |
