Belmont Preview & Best Bets – Wednesday January 11
Our form expert provides Belmont tips for today’s horse racing at Belmont and gives his best bets.
Belmont Tips 11/01/2023
BEST BET 🏆
Race 3 No. 3 DESERT VIXEN – ($5)
We saw DESERT VIXEN get out of the gates well to stride up closer than usual during a recent trial. This was good to see as she resumes in a race with little pressure and just short of her best distances. She continued to the line largely under her own steam which has us believing that she will still be fresh enough for the 1000 metres. Holly Watson takes the ride for race day and we don’t believe she’ll have Desert Vixen too far away in the small field. The cutaway suits and Desert Vixen should be finishing off strongly.
NEXT BEST 🥈
Race 6 No. 4 DEFIANT DIORITE – ($4.40)
Alan Kennedy takes over on DEFIANT DIORITE as the horse comes back 100 metres in trip. Defiant Diorite settled midfield two runs back before being held-up slightly for momentum into the straight. He was doing his best work late that day behind Laquetta’s Gift over the 1400 metres at Ascot. Stayed to track and trip when settled far closer to hit the front from the top of the straight. Stuck on strongly as Feels Playful and Laquetta’s Gift went to him deep inside the 100m. Defiant Diorite had peaked late and did well to cling on for third in a close go. Better suited this trip and is another who may be settling just under the speed and looking for the cutaway into the straight.
BEST VALUE 💰
Race 5 No. 1 GREEN AND SHADY – ($15)
Kristina Clarke sends GREEN AND SHADY around while fitter and set to improve following the two runs for his new stable. Luke Fernie transferred the horse across following a strong win over 1500 metres at Ascot. Paul Harvey had settled the gelding in around a midfield position with cover before coming out to the middle part of the track. Green And Shady powered to the line beating Find Your Man and Savanik in a race that should stack up well here. Slowly away and always out the back in his first run for Clarke following an eight-week let-up. Since raced on the pace then was unable to respond as they quickened at Pinjarra. Fitter and will take beating should he find his best under Taj Dyson at his third run back.