Belmont Park Suburban Handicap 2015
Suburban Handicap 2015
The Suburban remains a “classic” 10 furlong distance race at Belmont Park. The Grade 2 status keeps some of 9 furlong specialists in the barn and this year draws a couple of previous Grade 1 winners.
The Skinny:
Tonalist enters in the 3rd race of his form cycle with a strong 1 mile win and runner-up performance in the Met Mile. Tactical speed to get position, the speed to lay close to the pace and a true classic distance horse, he should love the 10 furlongs and is the horse to beat.
Coach Inge comes in razor-sharp and goes up in class to the Grade 1 level. Big speed figure in last race and defeated a solid filed with a gutsy effort. May be the speed in the race and will try to slow the pace and set the temp. Has a sprint gear and is capable of springing the upset.
Mylute warmed up on the comeback trail with a nice allowance win in most recent start. That field was much softer than this spot. He did show more speed and with new trainer Todd Pletcher which is a switch from Tom Amoss he may show more speed in future races. Running style is that of a closer, but not sure 10 furlongs suits him. Best game may be 8.5 to 9 furlongs making one quick run going into the turn. Not sure he can outgallop strong distance runners in that spot.
Effinex turned in a bizarre effort in most recent start. Bolting on the turn. Came back clean from that race. Two races back he ran a fast race and a repeat of that performance puts him in the mix in this spot. Tempted to throw out last race and odds may jump up significantly in this spot, he has the look of an exacta contender and can be used on a couple of back-up tickets in doubles and exactas.
Street Babe won a shocker at the Fairgrounds at 21/1 and has regressed in his two most recent starts with 15 and 23 lengths losses. Current form is suspect and overall distance questions remains.
Neck ‘n Neck has a habit of running good races and throwing in some clunkers, but should like 10 furlongs and current form has him cycling into a new top this form cycle. Not sure he has the speed to win this race, but could outrun his odds and should make a menacing move going into the turn.
The Choice:
Tonalist looms large on many levels. He is a very confident choice in this spot. He comes in 3rd race off the layoff. Has the fastest speed figures and should love the 10 furlongs. Effinex has been a solid horse and may be overlooked in this spot is very capable of winning.
Exacta: Tonalist: over Effinex