in Triple Crown Betting Trends

Both Big Brown come this fall.

We’ll start with the Surburban where a four-year old son of Tiznow figures to make his presence felt.

Belmont Park Race 9

$400,000

For Three Year Olds and Up

1 ¼ miles on dirt

The six-year old Harlington, who has won 6 out of 9 races, will probably go off the favorite, but I’m not biting. I love the looks of the four year old Merchant Marine for giant killer Allen Jerkens. Merchant Marine, a son of Tiznow, has four wins out of seven lifetime starts. Yes, he will be tested for class, but he’s a $325,000 dollar buy and comes out of a Gone West mare. The distance should be perfect for him. For second, I’ll snub Harlington again and go with the 15 day suspended Richard Dutrow trained Rising Moon. Out of Runaway Groom, this five year old has won four out of six races. He’s also got the requisite speed to stay within striking range once the field gets to that incredibly daunting Belmont Park final turn. For third, Harlington looks like the play, right? Uh, no, because A.P. Arrow is in this race. A.P. Arrow was shell-shocked in Dubai when running against Curlin and there’s no telling what he will do in this race, but he is trained by Todd Pletcher so getting the show money isn’t out of the question.

1. Merchant Marine

2. Rising Moon

3. A.P. Arrow

Hollywood Park Race 10

$750,000

For Three Year Olds and Up

1 ¼ miles on cushion track

Without a doubt Heatseeker is the class of this field. The horse can run on any surface, has been improving with every race, and is probably the only handicap horse in the nation that could give Curlin a run for his money. With all of that being written, I’m still picking against him. Heatseeker will have a bad race eventually. Why not this Saturday? I’m going to go with Go Between. Go Between actually lost by ¾ of a length to Heatseeker in the Santa Anita Handicap. He then shipped to Churchill Downs and ran a decent second in the Grade III Ben Ali Stakes. Go Between should relish returning to SoCal where he has done his best work. I expect Go Between to put in a fantastic effort this Saturday. For second, the only horse that makes sense is Heatseeker. Heatseeker will be going off at underlaid odds, but what can us online racebook fans do about it? He’s the best horse in this race and should dominate all of his other foes besides Go Between. For third, Tiago has to be the play, right? Doesn’t Tiago always finish third? He’ll be too far behind the speed to win, but he could put in a good effort. He always does.

1. Go Between

2. Heatseeker

3. Tiago

Good luck!

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