I think R2R is going to be the second betting choice (or possibly very close to it), and I just don't see the value there. Any other day, there is not much chance I'm going to chase the exacta in a 7 horse field that requires me to punch the heavy favorite over the second betting choice. I am not going to change that just because the race is called "The Belmont".
Given the freakish field size, and the price on the favorites, the Derby offers all kinds of betting opportunities not present in most races. The same is often not true in the Preakness, and it is almost never true in the Belmont. From a betting perspective, the Belmont is JAR (just another race).
And perhaps I'm dreaming, but I just have the sense that Pletcher's record with calling "audibles" leaves something to be desired--and that is how I perceive this move.
|