The Grade 1 Man O War headlines of 4 Stakes races carded at Belmont Park on Saturday. A solid group of crafty turf veterans take center stakes on the lawn.
The Skinny:
Imagining is 5 for 10 lifetime at Belmont Park and won the Man O War last year setting a slow pace and holding sway down the stretch. He fits on class, current form and recent workouts. Capable of winning but not a slam dunk.
Hyper comes off a long layoff and brings a 10 for 23 lifetime win record to the party. Has a strong record at Belmont Park. But betting on horses with over a 400 day layoff is silly. Looks like a prep for the Manhattan. Price will be lower than actual chances of winning.
War Dancer can compete on his best day, goes back to turf after last dirt race and may be hitting his stride in 2nd start off the layoff. Contender.
Twilight Eclipse is an enigma, wrapped inside a mystery. Runs a solid race every time. Is 0/5 at Belmont and Imagining beat him on the square last race. Running style puts him in the race but needs a perfectly timed run to grab the money. Contender but record at Belmont and has lost 7 straight coming into this race.
Comes the Dream is a five-year old who would be poised for a big year in the older turf division which has a lot of 6 & 7 year olds. Faces G2 horses for the first time and looks like outsider in this race.
Hardest Core won the Arlington Million last year and is 6 for 12 lifetime wins. Not sure what his class level. The Million last year was a sub-par Grade 1 and ran a credible race in the BC Turf. Luis Saez hops in the saddle and will try to win with a pace stalking trip.
Dynamic Sky just missed at Keeneland but has several races capable of winning this race. Not really a win machine but adds Cornelio Vasquez for this race and should come from behind with his best effort. Pace will be slow and that does not help. Contender at 5/1.
Fair Odds:
Dynamic Sky 5/1
Twilight Eclipse 4/1
War Contender 11/1
The Choice:
Dynamic Sky is a fair price and will have to overcome a possible slow pace. Was running late at Keeneland and is in sharp current form. He is the slight choice to win.