OTB Derby Hot Picks Preakness Fullpg 16-0517
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HOT PICKS BELMONT SUPERFECTA Belmont Post Time: 6:49PM #-HORSE trainer JOCKEY 7- ROCK YOUR WORLD JOHN SADLER JOEL ROSARIO He was Hot Picks top selection in the Kentucky Derby, but his day was basically over two steps out of the starting gate. Essential Quality broke outward, Highly Motivated broke inward and Rock Your World got wiped out, losing all chance to compete. If he breaks cleanly, Rock Your World has enough speed to make the lead before the clubhouse turn and take them start to finish like he did in his most impressive Santa Anita Derby score. 6- KNOWN AGENDA TODD PLETCHER IRAD ORTIZ JR. The “value” horse in the Belmont can be excused for his dud in the Derby when, by breaking from post one, he got caught in behind horses and shuffled back to 17th place before the field reached the first turn. Like everyone else in the field, he was unable to make up any ground after that. Trainer Pletcher has had quite a bit of success in the Belmont Stakes, and we expect to see big-time improvement from this well-bred colt. 2- ESSENTIAL QUALITY BRAD COX LUIS SAEZ Last year’s juvenile champion raced wide around both turns in the Derby and, while he failed to pass anyone down the stretch, he didn’t lose any ground either. Even though he was a beaten favorite in the Derby, he starts as the 2-1 morning-line favorite based on his consistency and pedigree. History, however, is against him: Only three 2-year-old champions have won the Belmont since 1978, Affirmed, Easy Goer and American Pharoah, and because of that, we also will take a stand against him. 4- HOT ROD CHARLIE DOUG O’NEILL FLAVIEN PRAT Ran a big race in the Derby and may eventually be placed second if Medina Spirit is disqualified. But the question is, can he stay the Test-of-the-Champion distance if forced to sit off expected leader Rock Your World throughout? He’ll get first run at Rock Your World, but we’re simply not sure that will be enough to win the final Triple Crown jewel. 153 7-6-2-4 21-0616.