by Eddie Olczyk
September 16, 2021
1/ST and NBC handicapper Eddie Olczyk takes his handicapping talents to Belmont Park for a pair of Saturday keys. Follow Edzo’s plays each week – only with 1/ST and Xpressbet!
BELMONT // RACE 7 (4:08PM ET) // ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING // 1 1/16 MILES (TURF)
MY PICK: #4 HOT BLOODED (12/1)
0-for-the-year after 7 starts is a concern, but he drops out of a tough, older-conditioned allowance race last out and is back in with 3-year-olds. I’d like to see an off-the-pace run and the value is there at 12-1 morning line. Win-place-show bet.
BELMONT // RACE 10 (5:45PM ET) // G1 JOCKEY CLUB DERBY // 1 1/2 MILES (TURF)
MY PICK: #3 TOKYO GOLD (8/1)
After some travel issues last time, I love to see Johnny V. back up in the saddle. This should have a little quicker pace to run into and that could make the difference after a runner-up finish in the Belmont Derby in July. Win-Place bet.