DerbyJackpot’s Best Bets of the Weekend for June 20-21
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America’s Best Racing and DerbyJackpot team up to provide horseplayers with their best bets of the weekend in a regular feature blog that will run on Fridays.
Each week, one of our crack handicappers - Jose Contreras, Dan Tordjman, Victoria Garofalo or Cory Moelis – will provide at least one “Best Bet” of the weekend, ideal for a win bet.
The post also will include some combination of additional bets for the weekend.
For some posts, our handicappers will try to identify a longshot play of the weekend, a nice opportunity to swing for the fences on a win bet or to take a shot with a show bet.
Our handicappers also will look for strong exacta plays for the weekend or occasionally try to spot a nice opportunity to bet a trifecta or superfecta.
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Saturday, June 20
Best Bet (Win Bet/Monkey Bet)
Belmont Park, Race 5, 3:24 p.m. ET
#2 Ready Strike: He disappointed as the favorite in his most recent race at 1 1/8 miles at Pimlico Race Course on May 7. However, he encountered traffic at the start and was forced to race well behind an extremely slow pace. He eventually rallied but couldn't cut into the deficit, flattening out late. He cuts back slightly in distance here, fresh off the layoff for George Weaver (22 percent), and adds blinkers while attracting top jockey Javier Castellano. A repeat of his effort two races back puts him in the top three here, at the very least. If he can take a major step forward, and get a little help with some pace up front, Ready Strike has a real shot at winning this race at a nice price.
Exacta Box (Gonzo Bet)
Belmont Park, Race 6, 3:55 p.m. ET
#1 Oaks: The Brazilian-bred takes a slight drop in class while stretching out and trying the turf for the second time in her career. She’s shown speed when routing, and speed has been good on the turf here. Oaks should take a step forward.
#4 Zafiro Azul: She is an honest filly who always seems to be running late at a nice price. She broke earned her first career win on this course at this distance, and figures to improve in her second race following a layoff of more than eight months.
#5 William’sluckygray: This filly has showed speed while sprinting before a layoff. She comes back fresh and could lead from start to finish at a nice price.
#9 Lust for Diamonds: This is a sneaky-looking horse going from dirt to turf for trainer Mike Pino, who scores nearly 30% on the move to the grass. She has a decent turf pedigree and should be racing close to the pace with every chance late.
Sunday, June 21
Exacta Box (Gonzo Bet)
Monmouth Park, Race 2, 1:15 p.m. ET
#1 Trainingforsuccess: This gelding finished third against slightly tougher competition at Belmont last winter. I don’t think he’s good enough to win this, but there should be enough pace up front for him to rally into the top three.
#5 Hudson Miracle: This gelding gets some class relief (easier competition) for strong connections in his second race following a layoff. He’s 6-for-11 in the money at this distance.
#2 All Over Me: This 4-year-old looked really good on the Monmouth turf in his most recent race, which was his first time racing outside of New York. Leading local jockey Paco Lopez retains the mount for a barn that usually keeps them on track after a win. He'll be really tough to beat.
Best Bet (Win Bet/Monkey Bet)
Monmouth Park, Race 9, 4:41 p.m. ET
#4 Pomeroy’s Package: This race looks like it sets up as a potential speed duel, but if the riders are paying attention they won’t chase the speed of this 4-year-old gelding. He appears to be the fastest in the field, and I'm banking on a few of the speedsters trying to take back slightly. Pomeroy’s Package ran a huge race on this track in his most recent start. He’s mostly faced tougher and he’s beaten similar competition; I’m hoping for a square price.