Saratoga Picks — Belmont Stakes Undercard Preview and Predictions (Jun 7)

All eyes will be on Saratoga this weekend, as the final leg of the Triple Crown is set for New York. However, there is more to look forward to on the track than just the Belmont Stakes, as there is a high-quality undercard of races. You can find our picks for the Belmont Stakes undercard here.

Belmont Stakes Undercard Picks

Manhattan Stakes Odds & Picks (6:09 PM ET)

A wide-open renewal of the G1 Manhattan Stakes is set for the turf on Saturday at Saratoga. Spirit Of St Louis will be a strong favorite this weekend after already winning the G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf and G1 Old Forester Bourbon.

However, we like the chances of Highway Robber for trainer Brian Lynch. The five-year-old was only beaten a length by the favorite at Churchill Downs last month, but he could be open to further improvement after already holding his own over longer distances over the last year, including when winning the G3 Sycamore Stakes at Keeneland. Looks like a fair chance on ratings.

Metropolitan Handicap Odds & Picks (3:17 PM ET)

A high-quality renewal of the G1 Metropolitan Handicap is set for Saratoga on Saturday. Previous Breeders’ Cup Classic champion White Abarrio will collide with Fierceness.

The Todd Pletcher runner returned to action with a very professional performance last time out, landing the G2 Alysheba Stakes with minimal fuss. White Abarrio has looked back to his very best this season, but the drop back to a mile is not likely to suit his stamina this weekend.

Raging Torrent is a fascinating contender after impressing over a mile at Meydan in April, and his speed could make him a very over-priced selection on Saturday in a field of horses that will likely want further.

Woody Stephens Stakes Odds & Picks (5:28 PM ET)

The G1 Woody Stephens Stakes looks like a trappy contest this weekend, with a field of horses aged three competing over seven furlongs. A number of runners have questions to answer, including Chancer McPatrick and market leader Citizen Bull.

Therefore, Colloquial could be a runner to keep on side. The George Weaver-trained runner has won on each of his last two starts.

He blew the field apart on his previous outing over seven furlongs when finishing over two lengths clear of Smoken Wicked in the Layafette Stakes. Has a good draw this weekend, and he is open to more improvement than most with everything going in his favor.

Belmont Stakes Undercard Picks