$350,000 NYRA Pick Four

First, I must apologize for the lack of a post yesterday. I had to take what is best referred to as a sick day.

Now, on to the business at hand, Belmont Park is offering a guaranteed $350,000 Pick Four on races seven through ten on Saturday and what follows is a look at each of these races and a $1 Pick Four play.

Race 7-You have to like the entry of #1 Personal Shopper and #1a Call It Like It Is. Personal Shopper drew the rail and appears to be the early speed in this field. He could go all the way in front. #3 Structural Change is a first-time starter to admire from a 17% trainer this year with Kent Desormeaux aboard. He is also 10-1 on the morning line here. We will also include #10 Hero Figure, who might be coming from out of it if #1 cannot hold the lead like I expect him to.

Race 8- I think there is an important thought to throw out there for this particular race that I learned from my former co-worker, Martha Claussen, who also spent time at the Houston Chronicle. NEVER IGNORE CHRISTOPHE CLEMENT ON THE TURF!!!!! Martha took care of many tickets with that proviso and I will implement it here with #2 La Hernanda and #9 Shadiyna. Both go into the Pick Four today. Also, I really like #6 Scolara, another Desormeaux horse that had a little trouble in a Grade 3 at Belmont on Kentucky Derby Day and still rallied toward the end. #8 Pastel Gal will be coming late and deserves a look here. She has been off since running at Gulfstream in April. She is the only throw-out here if your play gets a little too pricey for you. #10 Kristi With A K is a definite threat to win this race. She is 2 for 2 on the Belmont turf in her career.

Race 9- The Grade 2 Sands Point- I see this as a two-horse race between #4 Gozzip Girl and #7 Magical Affair. Gozzip Girl ran 2nd behind Hooh Why in the Grade 1 Ashland over the polytrack at Keeneland and won a Grade over the turf at Gulfstream. Magical Affair has never been worse than 2nd in her five-race career.

Race 10- Let us return to the Race 8 corollary about Christophe Clement. He has what appears to be a powerhouse entry in this spot and we will single #1 Wild Entry and #1a Grassy and hope to be cashing tickets as we leave the premises.

Here is the play- $1 Pick Four 1-3-10 with 2-6-8-9-10 with 4-7 with 1
TOTAL- $30

As always, They Are Off is merely suggesting possibilities and assumes no responsibility for any wagers made in conjunction with these suggestions. Tune in on Monday as we get geared up once again for the 141st running of the Belmont Stakes. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!