Some high-quality racing action will be taking place in the United States this weekend, with graded races being staged at Belmont Park and Parx Racing. But, what selection should be made for three of the big races at some of the online horse racing betting sites?
Kelso Handicap (Grade 2)
Grade 2 action is the featured race at Belmont Park on Saturday, as horses aged three and older compete over a mile. All the attention will be on star three-year-old Life Is Good, who will be making his first start against horses that are older than him.
In truth, it is very difficult to oppose the Todd Pletcher entrant, as he has won on all but one of his starts. His only defeat came on his last start in the H Allen Jerkens, as he was beaten by Jackie’s Warrior. There was no shame in that run though, as he returned in fine form following a six-month break.
The only other horse of interest in this field is Chance It, who will be played in our exactas below Life Is Good. He has finished second on two occasions and third once in three starts this year.
Pick: 1- Life Is Good 2- Chance It
Cotillion Stakes (Grade 1)
Next we will move over to Parx Racing, which has one of its biggest race meetings of the season, with two Grade 1s taking place. Three-year-old fillies will be in action in the Cotillion Stakes, which is run over 1 1/16 miles.
An open race looks set for this. Army Wife is a leading contender, having won three from five. Wins have come in the G2 Black Eyed Susan and G3 Iowa Stakes. He was third in the Alabama Stakes last time. Clairiere will once again be among the favorites, but one win from six starts is hardly breathtaking form.
Our pick is for Always Carina for trainer Chad Brown. Brown’s record on the dirt often gets overlooked due to his pedigree on the turf. However, Always Carina has produced some strong performances this season, finishing second in the Mother Goose and forth in the Test Stakes. She could go one better here.
Pick: Always Carina
Pennsylvania Derby (Grade 1)
The big race at Parx Racing offers a purse of $1 million, as the Pennsylvania Derby attracts a host of huge stars. It is run by three-year-olds over a distance of 1 1/8 miles, and Triple Crown competitors such as Hot Rod Charlie and Midnight Bourbon will line up.
Hot Rod Charlie is still waiting for that elusive Grade 1, having been disqualified in the recent Haskell Stakes. But, he is one of the most consistent horses in the United States, and will be a main player. Midnight Bourbon is another very consistent contender in the field, most recently finishing second in the Travers.
However, we will take a chance on a bigger price place selection. Speaker’s Corner will be making a huge step up in class and trip here, most recent dominating over seven furlongs at Saratoga. The biggest question is whether he will stay the distance, but he is certainly bred to do just that.
Pick: 1- Hot Rod Charlie 2- Speaker’s Corner
