img HORSE

BELMONT PARK Race #10 (THE METROPOLITAN HDCP. (G1))

May 30, 2011
img5:40 PM Eastern
Premium Pick

Top pick: #11 (TIZWAY) - Lightly-raced and well-managed 6-year-old by "Tiznow" finished third in this race last year and the pair that beat him that day, "Quality Road" and "Musket Man", both we're at the top of their game at that point. Working fast at Saratoga for this, he likes this deep surface (5-2-1-2) and this particular distance (8-3-1-2). Last Oct. he was extremely impressive in winning the G2 Kelso at this mile trip on this footing. The horse to beat.

2nd pick: #4 (Aikenite) - Always though he was a good horse but last year he disappointed more often than not but for some reason has really turned it around for trainer Todd Pletcher. Comes into this in career best form having won a pair of G2 stakes, one each at Keeneland and Churchill. Dangerous if he brings that Kentucky form with him.

3rd pick: #1 (Soaring Empire) - He scratched out of the G3 Westchester H. in late April and has been training very fast at Monmouth Park for this. Have always iked him and he's developing into a solid performer. The distance is fine, but his inside draw in a big field at this "flat" mile trip means he'll be under pressure from start to finish. Son of "Empire Maker" needs a very "smart" ride to have a shot at the win.

4th pick: #8 (Haynesfield) - One of two entered by trainer Steve Asmussen and they'll race uncoupled. New York-bred love this surface(7-5-1-0) and easily defeated last year's Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner "Blame" last fall here in the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup. Five-year-old probably needed his seasonal debut April 30th and looks set for a big effort.

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