Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (GUARDIAN) (7-2) - Colt finished a pace-chasing third when debuting at this level going seven furlongs at Belmont Park. In his follow up race Nov 21, he tired while racing extremely wide under similar conditions. Blinkers go on and he's cutting back a furlong in distance.
2nd pick: #8 (Fumin Newman) (3-1) - One of five making their debuts, he's by a solid sire 'City Zip' with first-time-starters. Working both frequently and above average, leading rider Irad Ortiz Jr. is aboard.
3rd pick: #2 (Southern Union) (12-1) - Nicely bred colt has been in steady training at Belmont since late Sept. Son of 'Roman Ruler' had a near bullet half-mile breeze Nov 28 and that should have him all set to factor first out.
4th pick: #4 (Shootout) (8-1) - Another that's debuting, colt was originally prepared in the Midwest before coming to Belmont in late Nov. In a good barn (Mike Maker) and he wins at a 17% rate first out.
5th pick: #5 (Guaranteed) (15-1) - Long shot tired last out after chasing the early pace. The figure earned was his best so far and he could factor at a big price with a repeat of it.