Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #10 (PAT ON THE BACK) (7-2) - Multiple stakes winner likes it at Belmont 7-2-3-2 and this consistent The 4yo draws a fine outside post for his stalking style. He won a $100K stakes here July 13 and enters off an above average half-mile local breeze Oct. 6. The 4yo gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #3 (Control Group) (4-1) - Consistent veteran has sharp early speed and finished a pace-setting 2nd in this stakes a year ago. Freshened up since Aug. 20, he loves this distance 8-5-1-1 and it's noted that leading rider Irad Ortiz Jr. stays aboard.
3rd pick: #4 (Can You Diggit) (9-2) - Colt won a $100K stakes at this distance Aug. 20 at Saratoga and defeated several of today's rivals in the process. Broman home bred has a good closing kick and he was only a 'nose' behind 'Control Group' in this stakes a year ago.
4th pick: #11 (Mr Buff) (12-1) - Longshot tired here facing tough 'open' company allowance foes Sept. 27. Speed/stalker won at this distance Aug. 22 at Saratoga and he draws a fine post for his running style. Think he can impact at a big price.
5th pick: #8 (Sea Foam) (10-1) - One of two 3yos entered, he ships back from Remington Park where he was beaten just over 2 lengths in the Rich Oklahoma Derby (G3) Sept. 30. He won a stakes when facing fellow sophomores at this distance Aug. 24 at Saratoga, but believe he needs to step it up today for anything more than a minor award.