Belmont at the Big A Picks: Saturday, October 14- Sands Point

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13 October 2023

The turf season is quickly winding down at the Belmont at the Big A meet. Saturday features the grade 2 Sands Point on the Aqueduct turf course.

The grass is likely to stay open through the end of the month before being covered for the winter meet.

Full Card Analysis

Post: 12:35 PM ET; $50k Maiden Claiming, 7 f on dirt; Entries: 8

#3 ANTENNA (9-5) gets the top selection, having the pedigree to be a major player and going out for the combination of Pletcher and Lezcano.
#6 EXTRA DIRTY (2-1) should improve off the first start and is a strong contender, trained by Brown and ridden by Franco.
#2 UNION BELLE (6-1) is a debutant and could be a value pick, going out for the Rice barn with Ortiz in the irons.
#5 BY THE GLASS (9-2) is another debutant, and while less favored, shouldn’t be dismissed.

Selections: 3 – 6 – 2 – 5

Post: 1:08 PM ET; $200k Sands Point S., 1 1/8 m on turf; Entries: 13

#5 NEECIE MARIE (8-1) is the top pick, potentially benefiting from a hot pace up front.
#7 ETERNAL HOPE (5-2) is a strong contender, with the ability to handle these conditions.
#1 SOVIET EXCESS (4-1) is another contender who shouldn’t have trouble with the distance.
#4 BE YOUR BEST (7-2) is expected to be competitive and capable of making a strong closing run.

Selections: 5 – 7 – 1 – 4

Post: 1:42 PM ET; $42k Claiming, 6 f on dirt; Entries: 9

#1A BIG ENGINE (4-5) is a standout in this race, boasting races good enough to beat this group.
#2 OCTOPUS (5-2) should be competitive, going out for the Jacobson barn with Ortiz aboard.
#1 SAINT SELBY (4-5) could be a solid choice to hit the board in this type of race.
#2B CHATEAU (5-2) isn’t without hope and should be a part of the race’s pace.

Selections: 1A – 2 – 1 – 2B

Post: 2:12 PM ET; $125k Floral Park S., 6 f on turf; Entries: 10

#1 BUBBLE ROCK (7-5) secures the top selection and looks to be the class of the field.
#5 POPPY FLOWER (2-1) is a major player in this race, capable of making a well-timed run at the leaders.
#2 SCOTISH STAR (9-2) should be competitive, with tactical speed that could take advantage of a hot pace.
#7 CAN’T BUY LOVE (6-1) is a worthy contender, making sense on speed figures.

Selections: 1 – 5 – 2 – 7

Post: 2:44 PM ET; $90k Maiden Special Weight, 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 16

#13 KATHERINE THOMAS (8-1) should improve off the first start and is the top pick, boasting races good enough to beat this group.
#8 DAY AWAY (15-1), a price horse, should be competitive with solid early pace figures.
#1 PURLOIN (8-1), a debutant, is a fringe contender with the pedigree to be a major player.
#5 DANCING DEAN (10-1) is another price horse and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Selections: 13 – 8 – 1 – 5

Post: 3:16 PM ET; $55k Claiming, 7 f on dirt; Entries: 9

#2 RYAN’S CAT (4-1) is the top selection, going out for the Rodriguez barn with Carmouche aboard.
#1A ALLABOUTTHEMONEY (5-2) should be competitive and capable of handling the distance.
#5 TWO THIRTY FIVE (3-1) is another strong contender, fitting well in this field.
#8 BEACHWALKER (12-1) is a price horse that may surprise.

Selections: 2 – 1A – 5 – 8

Post: 3:48 PM ET; $41k Claiming, 6 f on turf; Entries: 14

#1 SKI PATROL (4-1) is the top pick with the highest overall power rating in the group.
#3 THREE ZERO (6-1) is a major player with a chance late in the race.
#6 WAR TERMINATOR (10-1) is a price horse and a potential threat coming from mid-pack.
#10 BILLY’S GOT ISSUES (6-1) is another significant contender, making a well-timed run at the leaders.

Selections: 1 – 3 – 6 – 10

Post: 4:22 PM ET; $78k Claiming, 6 f on dirt; Entries: 10

#7 DOT’S DOLLAR (5-2) is the top pick, to be respected going out for the combination of Rice and Ortiz.
#9 JAKE ROCKS (8-1) could be the class of the field and may surprise.
#5 EMERALD FOREST (10-1), another price horse, should not be underestimated.
#2 THINKABOUTIT (5-1) is a competitive option with a fair pace scenario.

Selections: 7 – 9 – 5 – 2

Post: 4:54 PM ET; $105k Allowance Optional Claiming, 6 f on dirt; Entries: 9

#1A DURANTE (9-5) is a top choice with the highest overall power rating in the group.
#3 STROBE (2-1) is a major player, with the combination of Cox and Carmouche.
#5 GUN IT (9-2) is a fringe contender, fitting well in this race.
#1 SPUN AND WON (9-5) has the potential to be in the mix.

Selections: 1A – 3 – 5 – 1

Post: 5:24 PM ET; $75k Maiden Special Weight, 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 16

#12 HARD PAR (5-1) secures the top selection, with the potential to make a dangerous threat on the front end.
#4 PATRONAGE (7-2) should improve off the first start and is capable of making a strong closing kick.
#5 DIXIE PHARAOH (8-1) could be in with a shot, looking to be the class of the field.
#16 WINE RESPONSIBLY (3-1) should improve and cannot be overlooked.

Selections: 12 – 4 – 5 – 16