Mother Nature Alters Belmont Schedules: Updates, Analysis

The streets of New York are underwater as of Friday after heavy rainfall. The inclement weather means that changes have to be made to racing activity from the Belmont meet.

Friday Cancelled

The Friday card was scheduled to feature a pair of stakes races in the Nobel Damsel and the Ashley T. Cole. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced early Friday that the card would not take place.

In the interest of safety for the horse and jockey, they scrapped the races with no intention of re-running the card. They will run the 2 stakes races originally scheduled at a later date.

This reschedule marks the 2nd time the Nobel Damsel has been rescheduled.

Weekend Changes

Due to the heavy amounts of rain, track management determined that it would be impossible to get the surfaces ready for safe running on Saturday. Unlike the Friday card, NYRA released a new schedule to ensure that the remaining 2 cards of the weekend could be run in full.

Saturday’s Card Rescheduled

With no racing on Saturday NYRA will simply move the card to the following day when the track should be dry enough to produce safe conditions.

The move allows the Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re in Vosburgh to still take place this weekend. Under modern training practices, the timing of the race is vital since the race fits as a part of a training plan. The end goal of the campaign will be the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.

Favorite Cody’s Wish is likely a major player in that event and moving this race could have been detrimental to the horse’s preparation for the race.

Extra Racing Day

With Saturday’s card now occupying Sunday on the calendar, the Sunday card needs rescheduling as well. Again, time is of the essence as both the Pilgrim and the Miss Grillo are also Breeders’ Cup qualifiers.

Most weeks the Belmont at the Big A meet runs Thursday to Sunday. However, in an attempt to run the Sunday card, the racing week will be extended. The Pilgrim and Miss Grillo will be run with the full Sunday card on Wednesday, October 4.

New Belmont Schedule

• Friday Nobel Damsel Card– Cancelled
• Saturday Vosburgh Card– Run Sunday, October 1st
• Sunday Pilgrim/Miss Grillo Card- Run Wednesday, October 4th

Rescheduled Pilgrim & Miss Grillo Full Card Analysis

Belmont at the Big A – Race 1

Post: 1:05 PM ET; $38k Maiden Claiming, 6 f on dirt; Entries: 9

• #3 BLUE EIGHTY FIVE (2-1) is our top pick in this competitive field, showing consistent form and readiness for a strong performance.
• #4 TAPORICAL (6-1) is another contender worth considering, expected to mount a late challenge based on impressive speed figures.
• #5 PAPA DO PAPA DO (6-1) makes his debut here and could be running for minor placings under the guidance of the Delgado barn.
• #7 RETAIL MAN (9-2) also debuts in this race and may be aiming for minor placings.

Selections: 3 – 4 – 5 – 7

Belmont at the Big A – Race 2

Post: 1:36 PM ET; $62k Claiming, 6 f on dirt; Entries: 8

• #6 SHIVAREE (7-2) appears to be a major player in this race, well-suited for the distance.
• #1A NOLO CONTESTO (3-1) is our top pick, boasting consistent pace figures that should work well in a moderately paced race.
• #7 FLINT RIDGE (5-1) is expected to be competitive, likely in the first flight of runners, and holds the top overall power rating.
• #1 CHATEAU (3-1) is a fringe contender making sense on speed figures and displaying consistent pace figures.

Selections: 6 – 1A – 7 – 1

Belmont at the Big A – Race 3

Post: 2:09 PM ET; $85k Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 m on dirt; Entries: 7

• #2 THRILL OF IT (7-2) stands out as the one to beat, with races good enough to overcome this group.
• #1 AGGREGATION (4-1) should be competitive, entering the race in excellent form and not troubled by the distance.
• #7 SHADOW DRAGON (9-5) is another strong contender with the top overall power rating, trained by Mott and ridden by Ortiz.
• #4 MARKET ALERT (6-1) looks to be the class of the field and is worth considering.

Selections: 2 – 1 – 7 – 4

Belmont at the Big A – Race 4

Post: 2:38 PM ET; $102k Allowance Optional Claiming, 7 f on dirt; Entries: 7

• #7 GOOD SAM (8-5) gets our top selection, with tactical speed and a stalking style.
• #2 THREE RIVERS (7-5) should be competitive, with races good enough to challenge this group.
• #3 INTO HAPPINESS (9-2) is another contender, with a competitive run expected.
• #1 LADY MILAGRO (8-1) should be part of the early pace in this spot.

Selections: 7 – 2 – 3 – 1

Belmont at the Big A – Race 5

Post: 3:10 PM ET; $200k Miss Grillo S., 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 12

• #4 GOLD LIGHTNING (10-1) is our top pick, a price horse with the capability to beat this group.
• #8 GALA BRAND (3-1) is a major player, not troubled by the distance.
• #5 DANCING SPIRIT (10-1) is another price horse to consider, entering the race in good form.
• #2 HARD TO JUSTIFY (10-1) is a price horse that shouldn’t be overlooked, with a competitive run expected.

Selections: 4 – 8 – 5 – 2

Belmont at the Big A – Race 6

Post: 3:42 PM ET; $28k Claiming, 1 m on dirt; Entries: 10

• #3 PROVEN HOPE (4-1) looks best here, boasting the top overall power rating.
• #10 SKATE TO HEAVEN (7-2) should be competitive, in good recent form and ready for a big run.
• #6 DEE’S SPEEDSTRE (5-2) is another competitive option, fitting well in this race.
• #7 STRONG LIGHT (10-1) is a price horse that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Selections: 3 – 10 – 6 – 7

Belmont at the Big A – Race 7

Post: 4:14 PM ET; $200k Pilgrim S., 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 9

This race looks the perfect opportunity to get an upset. Although Pletcher looks to have a strong hand, his horses Agate Road and Triple Espresso, are likely to take money, but could be vulnerable in this spot.

• #5 B D SAINTS (8-1) tops our selection, demonstrating proficiency in handling these conditions.
• #9 SPIRIT PRINCE (9-2) stands as a major contender, anticipated to sit mid-pack and launch a late run.
• #1 LIAM’S JOURNEY (15-1) is a price horse worth considering, with the ability to mount a competitive challenge.
• #6 GET SPOOLED (8-1) is expected to contribute to the early pace in this race.

Selections: 5 – 9 – 1 – 6

Belmont at the Big A – Race 8

Post: 4:49 PM ET; $102k Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 1/8 m on dirt; Entries: 8

• #1 TIZZY IN THE SKY (5-1) is a major player, boasting consistent pace figures.
• #8 TOUGH STREET (2-1) is our top pick and appears to be the class of the field.
• #2 FIRELINE (4-1) should be competitive, fitting well in this race.
• #6 PRETTI XTREME (6-1) is another contender not to be ignored.

Selections: 1 – 8 – 2 – 6

Belmont at the Big A – Race 9

Post: 5:21 PM ET; $100k Allowance, 1 m on turf; Entries: 14

• #6 I’M VERY BUSY (5-2) looks best here, comfortable with the distance.
• #11 RUSE (6-1) should be competitive and is in good form.
• #1 FREDO (4-1) is a fringe contender, likely to hit the board.
• #8 BE OF COURAGE (12-1) is a price horse and could be a factor.

Selections: 6 – 11 – 1 – 8

Belmont at the Big A – Race 10

Post: 5:53 PM ET; $75k Maiden Special Weight, 6 f on turf; Entries: 16

• #11 WOKE UP QUICK (8-1) is our top pick, expected to improve and run a strong race.
• #9 PRICE IS TRUTH (4-1) is a major player, comfortable with the distance.
• #7 NANO MAN (7-2) is another strong contender with consistent pace figures.
• #14 SCORE THE ROCK (8-1) is expected to improve and be in contention.

Selections: 11 – 9 – 7 – 14

Betting News Horse Racing Coverage

Betting News provides AI generated handicapping tools for all of the major tracks around the country each and every day.

In addition, Betting News will continue to provide in depth analysis of select cards throughout the week. This week’s analysis will feature the cards listed below.

Friday

• CANCELLED: Belmont at the Big A featuring the Grade 3 Noble Damsel

Saturday

• Churchill Downs featuring the Ack Ack (Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In)
• Santa Anita featuring the Awesome Again (Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In)

Sunday

• ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY: Belmont at the Big A featuring the Vosburgh (Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In)

Wednesday

• ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY: Belmont at the Big A featuring the Miss Grillo and Pilgrim (Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re Ins)