Top pick: #5 (PURLING) (5-2) - She enters in career best form and has been sharp in four straight appearances. Stalker was a winner at Aqu. April 16th racing for a $12.5K tag to clear the 2l condition, then finished second last out in her first at this 3l level. Trainer Bob Barbara has worked her twice since and can make her Belmont debut a winning one if she brings her Aqu. form with her.
2nd pick: #7 (Bridgetta) (3-1) - The field's "wild card," she's returning from a 15 month layoff this afternoon. Speedy mare is working steadily and has done her best work (7-1-4-0) here at Belmont. The presence of J.J. Castellano signals that trainer Bruce Brown likes her chances. The trainer/jockey combo wins at a solid 25% (14-for-56) over the past 17 months.
3rd pick: #6 (Rettalfa) (7-2) - Daughter of the successful "Flatter" has been competitive in five of her last six starts and last out finished second in her first try at this 3l condition. Good small barn (Gary Gullo) has worked her twice since and one-run type must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #4 (Newyork Conspiracy) (6-1) - She has some early speed and is cutting back in distance after tiring to finish a distant third here at this level going a mile on May 8th. May hang on for a small share, but 4-year-old needs to step it up for anything more than that.