Two of three are going to the Belmont

[Rileyoriley]

Cristobal is the french horse. Anyone know anything about him?

[sumitas]

Hard Spun could steal the race unless they replace pino with franklin.

[ALostTexan]

I think Hard Spun may very well take it, and that Curlin will be way overbet. In other words, the obvious observations...

ALostTexan

[miraja2]

I do feel that for the most part Hard Spun will do his best work in the 8.5f-9f range. While he certainly has a dam-side pedigree that indicates 10f or longer, he does not seem able to relax very well down the backside.
What the horse does do well is get up to full speed quickly, and then maintain that speed for far longer than most horses with his early acceleration.
I can see why some may like his chances here, because he has that dam-side pedigree, and there shouldn't be a lot of competition on the front end, and who knows, the way he faded at Pimlico may mean he is the right price in this race.
On the whole though, I don't like his chances, because even though the race may set up for him to potentially get the half in :48 & change, I highly doubt he will actually do that unless Mario decides to do his best Jose Santos impression and strangle the horse back. I think he'll burn himself out.....but I am glad they are taking a shot with him here. We really don't need another Belmont like last year's edition.

[tycharles01]

I think he can get the distance, but he does not look comfy in the stretch. Past 2 races he looks tight like he is startled or something


Biggest thing to consider is WildCrazyGuy

We have already heard he loves the distance and if the speed dies
BIG HIT at NICE PRICE

[Zippy Chippy]

With the slower pace of the Belmont, I definitely think Hard Spun has a good shot at winning it. He would have had a good shot at the Preakness if Pino had kept him off the pace instead of making a move with 5 1/2 furlongs to go. He's a game horse and with a better jockey he'll have a much better chance at winning it.

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

could it be d -money

[slotdirt]

Belmont has always been more of a stalkers race than a closer's race. I wouldn't think wildandcrazyguy would have much of a shot here.

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Belmont has always been more of a stalkers race than a closer's race. I wouldn't think wildandcrazyguy would have much of a shot here.

me either, i give him no shot.

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Belmont has always been more of a stalkers race than a closer's race. I wouldn't think wildandcrazyguy would have much of a shot here.

While I agree with you about IWCG's chances here, I don't think the Belmont really favors one particular style over another that much. Look no further than the last two Belmonts and you will find closers winning. Afleet Alex and Jazil were way back there down the backstretch.
The mistake most people make in this race I think (and the one I MIGHT be making with Hard Spun) is thinking that front-runners have no shot. That is not the case. If a front-runner can relax, he can be a factor.
ANY running style can win this race. It is just about who has the lungs for it.

[horseofcourse]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Belmont has always been more of a stalkers race than a closer's race. I wouldn't think wildandcrazyguy would have much of a shot here.

I would call Jazil, Afleet Alex, Sarava, Lemon Drop Kid, Victory Gallop, all closers.

That's a pretty good percentage the last 10 years. (Afleet Alex WAS a closer.)

That being said, I don't think wildandcrazy has much of a shot.