Even though the news about Big Brown’s various ailments has lessened over the past few days, the field for 140th running of the Belmont Stakes grew by one. Trainer Nick Zito has decided to enter Da’ Tara, runner-up in the Barbaro Stakes here on Preakness day, bringing the field to an even dozen. Joining Big Brown and Da’ Tara for the 1½ mile journey towards history next Saturday will be Anak Nakal, Behindatthebar, Casino Drive, Denis Of Cork, Icabad Crane, Macho Again, Ready’s Echo, Spark Candle, Tale Of Ekati and Tomcito.
Onto the topic of the “King of Baltimore Sports Write-In” candidates, my four would be…
1. * Doug DeCinces (Father of Orioles Magic)
2. Bert Jones (helped resurrect the Baltimore Colt franchise)
3. Ken Singleton (his numbers speak for themselves)
4. Jim Gentile (deserving Old-timer)
* - I cannot understand his absence from the official “Write-In List”?! Has everyone forgotten that without Doug’s dramatic home run off Angels Don Aase in June ’79, the phrase “Orioles Magic” may have never been uttered by any baseball fan?!
But let’s not get too lathered up about what four (4) deserve to be in, because all four will be “Also Ran’s” when the contest gets going.
Back to horse racing! Recapping Day 26 (May 30th)…
Best Bet, Blue Sailor (# 6; 8th race on the turf; 2-1) appeared to be the Best Bet for many bettors, as he closed at 4-5, but could not get past the early pacesetter, Crimson Sun. Blue Sailor paid a poultry $2.80 PLACE and $2.40 SHOW.
Longshot, Maid Of Cotton (# 4; 6th race; 8-1) stalked the winner for much of the race, but the added distance proved to be her undoing, as she faded in the lane to 5th at 8-1.
Here’s who I like on Saturday, May 31st, Day 27 of the Pimlico Spring Meet…
Best Bet: Classy Credentials (# 5; 6th race; 3-1)
As long as the heavens don’t open up this afternoon and make the track “off”, I feel this 3 year old has the potential here. A number of the better runners have early speed whereas she has demonstrated a nice closing kick.
Longshot: Classical Master (# 4; 4th race; 15-1)
I love his last race. He was coming off of a 10 month vacation to run in a sprint where he typically runs distance. The way he ran the sprint, dropping back during the first 4 furlongs then gaining ground in the stretch. This is a pattern many distance runners use to prepare for their next race. Add the fact he worked a mile and a 5 furlong bullet in the A.M. since his return indicates he’s worth a look in your exotics or flat!
I want to hear who you like today! Good Luck with your selections!