Belmont at the Big A Picks: Knickerbocker, Friday, October 20

Belmont at the Big A continues on this weekend. The racing week starts Thursday and features a Friday graded stakes. The Grade 3 Knickerbocker will go off as race 6.

Full Card Analysis

Belmont at the Big A – Race 1

Post: 12:35 PM ET; $90k Maiden Special Weight, 1 m on turf; Entries: 12

• #2 GROWTH CAPITAL (1-2) gets the top selection. This colt displays impressive form recently and is ready to deliver a strong performance. With tactical speed, he can sit just off the leaders, setting up a stalk-and-pounce trip.
• #2B RIGHT TO WIN (1-2) is another contender in this race. He might be seen as a fringe contender, but will look to get the right race setup. Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Manny Franco, this combination adds to his respect.
• #7 TORIGO (3-1) shouldn't be underestimated. He is expected to sit in the second tier of runners and make a well-timed run at the leaders. Entering the race in excellent form further boosts his chances.
• #1 JAMESTOWN (6-1) is a strong choice for exotic wagers, as he makes sense on speed figures and is expected to be rolling late with a good closing kick.

Selections: 2 – 2B – 7 – 1

Belmont at the Big A – Race 2

Post: 1:08 PM ET; $36k Claiming, 6 f on dirt; Entries: 7

• #1 MERAVIGLIOSO (3-1) stands out as the top pick in this race. Coming into the race in excellent form, this gelding is a good bet to hit the board in this competitive claiming race.
• #5 DIVA BANKER (8-1) is expected to be a major player in this race. She runs evenly and should have a very fair pace scenario, making her a sensible choice on speed figures.
• #7 BEAUTIFUL KAREN (7-2) is another strong contender. With races good enough to challenge this group, she also boasts the top overall power rating among the entrants.
• #3 QUEEN ARELLA (7-2) is set to be competitive and benefits from her consistent pace figures, a valuable asset in a moderately paced race.

Selections: 1 – 5 – 7 – 3

Belmont at the Big A – Race 3

Post: 1:40 PM ET; $80k Allowance, 6 f on turf; Entries: 16

• #6 ORTUS (2-1) is the top choice in this competitive allowance race. He has showcased races that are good enough to beat this group and possesses the highest overall power rating in the field.
• #15 MR. KRINGLE (8-1) should be competitive in this spot, having proven his ability to handle these turf conditions in previous starts.
• #1 ICY FLAVOR (5-2) is another contender who should be competitive. Trained by Rick Kimmel and ridden by Manny Franco, he could benefit from the right race setup.
• #13 BLAME IT ON DADDY (10-1) is a price horse who is worth a solid look for the minors. Entering the race in good form, he could be a strong competitor.

Selections: 6 – 15 – 1 – 13

Belmont at the Big A – Race 4

Post: 2:12 PM ET; $90k Maiden Special Weight, 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 16

• #6 BELLE GAMBE (7-2) makes her debut here and secures the top selection. Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Irad Ortiz, she is well-bred for this spot.
• #13 KATHERINE THOMAS (8-1) will likely improve in her second start and be a major player in this race. She has been consistent in recent starts and appears ready to deliver a strong performance.
• #9 DAY AWAY (20-1) is a price horse who should be considered. Her solid early pace figures in a race with a lack of front-running speed could work to her advantage.
• #4 TRUE MYTH (8-1) should also be taken into account, particularly for exotic wagers. She has proven ability to handle these turf conditions and is trained by John Terranova, with Irad Ortiz in the irons.

Selections: 6 – 13 – 9 – 4

Belmont at the Big A – Race 5

Post: 2:44 PM ET; $38k Maiden Claiming, 6 1/2 f on dirt; Entries: 14

• #3 SUN AND WIND (4-1) is the top pick in this race. She looks to be the class of the field and possesses the pedigree to be a major player in this spot.
• #13 POSEIDON'S MIST (9-2) is worth using in the exotics. She also appears to be the class of the field and has the pedigree to be a major contender.
• #10 NOTAFRAIDTOCHARGE (12-1) is a price horse to consider, especially for exotic bets, as she shouldn't have trouble with the distance.
• #11 PRINCESS BECCA (5-1) makes her debut here and is a valuable choice for exotic wagers, trained by Linda Rice and ridden by Irad Ortiz.

Selections: 3 – 13 – 10 – 11

Belmont at the Big A – Race 6

Post: 3:16 PM ET; $150k Knickerbocker S., 1 1/8 m on turf; Entries: 8

• #7 SIEGE OF BOSTON (3-1) is the top selection in this race. Trained by Jimmy Toner and ridden by Luis Ruiz, he looks strong and should be competitive.
• #5 ROCKEMPEROR (4-1) is another competitive runner here. He fits well and has been solid in recent starts.
• #6 MASTER PIECE (9-2) is another horse who should be competitive. He has shown strong recent form and is ready for a big performance.
• #2 KING CAUSE (8-1) isn't without hope and comes into the race in good form. Trained by Mike Maker and ridden by Kendrick Carmouche, he is a valuable contender in this field.

Selections: 7 – 5 – 6 – 2

Belmont at the Big A – Race 7

Post: 3:50 PM ET; $75k Maiden Special Weight, 7 f on dirt; Entries: 10

• #10 QUIET WISDOM (4-5) secures the top selection. With solid early pace figures in a race lacking significant front-running speed, this filly's class will pose a problem for these.
• #4 PERLIANO (9-2) is another strong choice. Being competitive and looking to be the class of the field, this filly seems prepared for a strong performance.
• #5 BLUE MARBLE (15-1) is a price horse who could be running for the minor placings in this contest.
• #1 JEFFERSONS OCEAN (20-1) is also a price horse who may be running for the minor placings in this contest.

Selections: 10 – 4 – 5 – 1

Belmont at the Big A – Race 8

Post: 4:22 PM ET; $80k Allowance, 1 m on dirt; Entries: 8

• #1 BOURBON CHASE (5-2) is the top pick in this race. Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz, he commands respect.
• #2 JACKSON HEIGHTS (5-1) is another major player in this race. With a record of solid recent performances, he is ready to run a big one and makes sense on speed figures.
• #6 HERE'S WALDO (15-1) is a price horse to consider and should be competitive. Trained by Jena Antonucci and ridden by Hector Rafael Beato, he adds an element of value.
• #4 MAMA'S GOLD (5-1) could be in with a shot in this race and makes sense on speed figures. Look for her on or near the early pace.

Selections: 1 – 2 – 6 – 4

Belmont at the Big A – Race 9

Post: 4:54 PM ET; $47k Maiden Claiming, 6 f on turf; Entries: 13

• #3 WISH LIST (5-1) is the top pick in this maiden claiming race. She should improve off her first start and appears to be the class of the field. Her solid early pace figures could work to her advantage.
• #4 IGUAZU (3-1) is another horse worth a strong look. She will be midpack and will be coming with a sustained run. Trained by Wesley Ward and ridden by Irad Ortiz, she is a valuable contender.
• #7 WORDS OF PRAISE (6-1) should also be competitive and has shown her ability to handle these conditions in previous starts. Trained by Mike Maker and ridden by Manny Franco, she adds another layer of competitiveness to the race.
• #9 SPUN SPECIAL (5-2) could be in with a shot, as she makes sense on speed figures and appears to be the class of the field.

Selections: 3 – 4 – 7 – 9

Betting News Horse Racing Coverage

Betting News provides AI generated handicapping tools for all of the major tracks around the country each and every day.

In addition, Betting News will continue to provide in depth analysis of the upcoming Breeders' Cup and select cards throughout the week.

Breeders' Cup Previews:

• Future Stars Friday Turf Races
• Future Stars Friday Dirt Races

Friday

• Belmont at the Big A featuring the Grade 3 Knickerbocker

Saturday

• Keeneland featuring the Grade 2 Raven Run
• Woodbine featuring the Grade 3 Ontario Derby

Sunday

• Keeneland featuring the Grade 3 Dowager Stakes

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