Published Jul 2, 4:23am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jul 2, 4:23am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jul 2, 4:23am ET
A high-quality afternoon of Grade One action is set for July 4th, as Saratoga hosts the G1 Belmont Derby. An international field has been assembled for one of the most important turf races of the season in the U.S., with a purse of $750,000 up for grabs in the contest run over 1 ¼ miles. You can find the odds and our Belmont Derby picks here.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Pacific Avenue | +333 |
| Remember Mamba | +350 |
| Title Role | +400 |
| West End Kid | +400 |
| Touch Of Fire | +650 |
| Blackmail | +1600 |
| Bottas | +1600 |
| Other Selections | +2000 & Bigger |
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Recent Winners
Clues ahead of some of the most important turf races later in the season will be offered at Saratoga this weekend, as a talented crop of three-year-old horses will be involved in the prestigious G1 Belmont Derby.
Charlie Appleby typically sends a high-quality runner to this race, but he is yet to claim victory. Nevertheless, Pacific Avenue should be respected, with William Buick traveling over to take the ride. The three-year-old by Dubawi was last seen finishing third in the G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas, and is yet to win in five starts in stakes company. Could be vulnerable.
Remember Mamba represents Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Cherie DeVaux this weekend. The three-year-old didn’t get the run of the race when second behind Stark Contrast in the G1 American Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs in May. Likely to bounce back after previously winning back-to-back starts at Fair Grounds and Keeneland with plenty in hand.
I think Title Role is the more interesting of the European raiders for Simon & Ed Crisford this weekend. The three-year-old has won three from six career starts, and was an excellent winner of the G2 German 2,000 Guineas in May. Holds a form edge over Pacific Avenue after beating the reappearing rival in Meydan in February.
Bottas should be open to improvement for trainer Miguel Clement on his second start this season, while Brad Cox-trained Touch of Fire has racked up an impressive winning run, claiming victories in three of his last four starts. Graham Motion has won the last two editions of this race, meaning Turf Star should be respected after recording a second win in six starts at Laurel Park in mid-May.
I’m surprised Remember Mamba isn’t the favorite for this race. The three-year-old traveled like the best horse in the race at Churchill Downs last time, and despite finishing second, he retains plenty of ability. Has already shown versatility after winning at Fair Grounds and Keeneland, and is bred to get this far as a son of Kitten’s Joy, who has produced notable high-quality European graded winners such as Roaring Lion and Kameko, as well as 2019 Belmont Derby winner Henley’s Joy.
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Pick
Remember Mamba
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