On speed figures, Got Stormy (7) has a significant edge over this field. However, I think that’s partly a function of the races she’s been contesting. She certainly outran expectations in both the Edgewood and Penn Oaks and deserves credit for those performances. However, prior to that, she was not running significantly better than a horse like Ferdinanda. Did Got Stormy just improve since then? It’s possible, but I think some others in this field also are capable of progressing. Punked (3) and Ferdinanda (4) both have to be considered after finishing a neck apart in an allowance race last month. I don’t think that was the strongest field overall, though these two both ran well within the context of the race.

I’m using them, but the horse I think has the best chance to step up with a big effort is BRATTATA (2). This filly has been a disappointment during her brief career, but she’s also had a ton of excuses. She was definitely best in her first two starts sprinting and then was hindered by wide trips in a series of two-turn attempts. I’ve always thought that she would be better cutting back to one turn, so this one-mile distance at Belmont should be perfect for her.
 

THE PLAY

Win: 2
Exacta Key Box: 2 with 3,4,7