Belmont Derby Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Jul 4)

A transatlantic showdown is set for Saratoga on Friday, July 4, as a number of European contenders take on American-trained runners on the turf in the Belmont Derby.

Horses aged three will compete in the Grade One, which will cover a total distance of 1 1/8 miles. But, which runner could emerge as a leading contender for high-quality races later in the season?

Odds

Belmont Derby Recent Winners

Belmont Derby: Event Information

Race Preview

A fascinating renewal of the Belmont Derby is set for Friday at Saratoga, with the race bringing together a number of proven calibre runners on the turf and horses that were previously involved on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Tank is a lively contender for the David Carlos yard, as he has improved based on ratings with every start. This will be his first effort in a Grade One, but there is plenty to like about his chances.

Chad Brown is typically the go-to trainer for U.S. turf races, meaning Early Adopter deserves respect. The three-year-old was fifth behind World Beater in the Audubon Stakes, and he could find this contest a little too hot.

New Century has already run creditably in stakes company on U.S. turf, taking third in the G1 American Turf. Also ran well as a juvenile, winning the G1 Summer Stakes and beaten just two lengths in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Plenty to like, but the distance is a concern.

Test Score will be a prominent player in exotics, having finished outside the first three on just one occasion. His running style should suit Saratoga, and he has form lines that tie in with the market leader.

Final Gambit and Flying Mohawk are the two more interesting runners after previously being considered for Grade One races on the dirt. The former is the most fascinating on his second start on the turf. The Brad Cox runner ran an excellent race when fourth in the G1 Kentucky Derby, but he has since underwhelmed when beaten in the G3 Matt Win. Will enjoy this trip, but questions to answer.

Belmont Derby Picks

European form always reads stronger on the turf. Therefore, Luther could be the outstanding chance for the Charlie Fellowes yard.

He was beaten six lengths in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club over this distance on his last start, and has form that ties in with the winner, Henri Matisse, after finishing a length behind the Aidan O’Brien runner at Longchamp in May.

Will relish these conditions, and should reverse the form with New Century after being narrowly beaten by his reappearing rival in the Stonehenge Stakes last August.