Race of the Day, May 7, 2014
Belmont Park (Elmont, NY), Race 3, Maiden Claiming $20K
2:22 P.M. EST, 6 1/2 furlongs, 3&up. Purse: $35K
Welcome back to beautiful Belmont Park, a racetrack which we will stop often during the summer. Great racing at all levels. Today, we’re focused on a group of maiden claimers running a slightly longer sprint in 6 1/2 furlongs. Every horse in this race can be purchased for $30K — interested? Go see the racing secretary!
The even-money morning line favorite is Master Yank (#6, 1-1). He’s making his NY-debut, after two races in South Florida. The most recent effort was in a Maiden Claiming event ($35K) in which he finished a strong front-running second on a speed favoring Gulfstream track. Now, about 5 weeks later, the four-year old gelding made his way to Belmont.
Despite the low morning-line, Master Yank is only one of several contenders in this race. Pillar of Strength (#4, 4-1)showed well last time out — running faster than Master Yank’s last out. He has a style that should be favored by his first trip over the Belmont surface. In Speight Ofitall (#3, 8-1) has outside connections, but certainly has the speed to compete. Tony D (#2, 5-1) has run fast enough — it’s simply a question of whether he brings his best today. Golden Doc (#7, 6-1) gets another start in the Davidson barn. Another improve makes him a contender, and, at any rate, a speed factor.
Questions:
- How much better is Master Yank than the rest of the field?
- Will Pillar of Strength improve on the Belmont surface?
- Will Golden Doc be a speed factor?
Analysis:
Master Yank is a terrible favorite as he doesn’t even own the highest last race speed figure. Pillar of Strength seems to be the best bet to come off the pace duel of Golden Doc and Master Yank. There’s risk all around here though — even Nicholson (#5, 10-1) has an outside shot — so make sure that you get a price on your pick. For those in the Pick 3 or Pick 4, I’d try to beat Master Yank here and would be willing to go wide to do it.
Postscript:
Master Yank looked vulnerable and he was. He finished an off-the-board 4th, behind an impressive performance from much-the-best winner Pillar of Strength. Golden Doc showed pace, but finished last. Nicholson and In Speight Ofitall rounded out the trifecta.
Races like this happen across America all day and every day. The public —- while better than you on average — make mistakes on favorites like this often. Having the courage to go against horses like Master Yank makes the difference between winning days and losing days. Besides, it’s much more fun! See you tomorrow.