The H.G. Bolton Sprint headlines another exciting nine-race card at Belmont on Saturday.
The Belmont track has hosted a lot of racing in 2020, and the rail will be set out a whopping 12 metres around the entire course.
The track is likely to be rated in the good range.
*All races previewed in AEST
Our Boy Dylan hasn’t been seen at the races since April, but he was excellent during his debut preparation and can make a winning return at Belmont on Saturday.
The So Secret gelding finished second at each of his first two career starts before breaking his maiden over 1000m at Ascot, most notably.
He’s had the benefit of a trial in the lead-up to his return and is drawn to receive a lovely run from barrier 5.
3 Units Our Boy Dylan
Sir Mambo has returned some pleasing efforts this preparation and looks to one to beat in Race 2.
The War Chant gelding has been a model of consistency throughout his career and finished a close-up second behind the talented Son Of A God here two back, before a luckless effort last time out.
I’m happy to give him another chance, in what looks a weaker contest.
3 Units Sir Mambo
Indian Pacific has so far recorded four wins and two minors from only six career starts and has returned to the races in typically strong form this time.
He probably wins this 1000m dash, but he’s far too short for me at $1.45.
No Bet
Bedouin Belle will enjoy good improvement from her first-up effort for third and will be tough to beat in the fourth.
The Lou Luciani-trained mare has been an excellent horse throughout her career, and mustered an eye-catching turn of foot to fill the minors here a couple of weeks ago.
She’s drawn to receive a nice run in behind the pace from barrier 7 and will be ridden by William Pike.
3 Units Bedouin Belle
Truly Great is ready to win.
The Grant & Alana Williams-trained Dundeel gelding needed the run when sixth over 1400m first-up, but he returned a far better effort to finish second behind Puckapunyal last week.
Fitter third-up and out in trip, he is my best bet on the program.
5 Units Truly Great
This is shaping as a race in two between Levitate and Giant Leap, and I am happy to take on the former.
The Iffraaj gelding hasn’t missed a place in four career starts so far and returned from a break to finish second over 1300m at Pinjarra; breaking his maiden last time out.
This is obviously a rise in class, but he harbours plenty of upside and will have conditions to suit.
2 Units Giant Leap
There is a case to be made for several horses in the feature race and for that reason, I’m going to take the value around Saracino ($19 at publish).
It has been a long time between race wins for Saracino, but he has relished racing in WA and was last seen finishing half a length second behind Essential Spice in the Listed Beaufine Stakes.
Any improvement on that effort would see him extremely difficult to beat, and he is over the odds.
2 Units E/W Saracino
Inspirational Girl looks to have a class edge over her rivals in this race, and I am happy to stick with her.
The Reliable Man mare has so far recorded five wins and a close-up second from her six career starts, and was an easy winner when resuming here a couple of weeks ago.
I can’t find a reason why she won’t be in the finish again.
5 Units Inspirational Girl
Typically, this shapes as a tough way to end the day from a betting perspective.
Put A Spell On You is yet to show her best this time, but she should be nearing peak condition and I am happy to have a small each-way play ($7 at publish).
The Sessions filly was a strong and consistent performer last time in, and ended her preparation third in the Listed WA Breeders Stakes.
1 Unit E/W Put A Spell On You