We have a very compact field of six ready to contest this $300,000 handicap at 2:35 local time. It’s the fourth race of the day and will certainly be one of the big highlights of the early part of the Belmont Fall Championship meet. It’s a 1 1/16 mile race on the dirt and we have some very impressive runners set to go here.
My early tip was Seventh Street and I stand by that statement right now. Saeed Bin Suroor has a very good record and knows where and when to place his horses. I’m confident that she’ll be able to overcome her closest competition, Graham Motion’s Skylighter. Both horses are listed at even money. I expect Seventh Street to attract more attention as we get closer to post time, so those able to bet at fixed odds should do so now.
Swift Temper is available at 2/1 and is a little too short-priced for my tastes. At 5/1 I’d be ready to do some business, so unless there’s some movement, I expect her on the bottom end of an exotic, but don’t see a winners circle in his future.
Be Fair is at 8/1 and could contest this race, I think the distance suits her, but I just think the competition is a little too good.
Exotic Indy is a great value bet, and I definitely expected shorter odds. 15/1 is a solid price, and the partnership with John Velazquez works for me. I think she could pull off a show against this limited field, but a win is a bit out of the question against Seventh Street at least.
Additionally, Luna Vega is a talented horse who will need a few things to go her way. I could see her attracting more attention, especially if Seventh Street’s price dips significantly lower. I think 7/2 is about right and I think he’s got a surprise in store for us. This is my each-way selection
My tip for the 2009 Ruffian Handicap at Belmont Park is Seventh Street
Exacta: Seventh Street/Luna Vega
Triactor: Seventh Street/Luna Vega/Skylighter
Superfecta: Seventh Street/Luna Vega/Skylighter/Be Fair
