Smart betting starts with good information — and a little bit of fun!
We’ve got an eight-race card at Belmont at the Big A this Friday, with plenty of opportunities for sharp bettors and casual fans alike. A few turf tests, a couple of dirt dashes, and even a maiden special weight to close the day.
Let’s dive into today’s Raymond Track Report picks and analysis, race by race 👇
Race 1 – $41,000 Claiming (1 Mile, Dirt) – Post: 1:10 PM
The opener is a tight six-horse field where early pace control will decide it.
- 🥇 (5) Cocktailsnkringle (3-1) – Fast early, gritty late, and the kind you want in a short field.
- 🥈 (2) Neon Bordeaux (7-2) – Tactical stalker who can sit second and strike at the turn.
- 🥉 (6) Nantz (8-1) – The price play; sneaky good finish in last dirt mile.
- 🎯 Joker: (1) Magni (12-1) – Could spice up the exotics if pace melts.
💡 Raymond Report Tip: Small fields favor horses with tactical speed and experienced riders — exactly what we’ve got with Santana Jr. on the #5.
Exacta Box: 5-2 | Trifecta Box: 5-2-6
Race 2 – $81,000 Allowance (6 Furlongs, Outer Turf) – Post: 1:43 PM
This turf sprint has class, speed, and chaos potential — perfect for value hunters.
- 🥇 (6) Launch Control (3-1) – Hard-knocking type who loves this trip and surface.
- 🥈 (7) Nano Man (10-1) – Could upset if pace gets hot up front.
- 🥉 (2) Master Freud (6-1) – Consistent finisher who always shows up.
- 🎯 Joker: (3) Not for Hire (5-1) – Versatile, and might sit the ideal trip.
💡 Raymond Report Tip: When in doubt on turf sprints, trust experience and versatility — not raw speed.
Exacta Box: 6-7 | Trifecta Box: 6-7-2
Race 3 – $38,000 Maiden Claiming (6½ Furlongs, Dirt) – Post: 2:15 PM
A field full of question marks, but one or two stand out on pattern.
- 🥇 (2) Dominican Thunder (8-1) – Second start off a layoff, and the works say “wake-up.”
- 🥈 (4) Eighty Gold (12-1) – Has shown flashes; adds blinkers — live longshot.
- 🥉 (1) Ob La Di Ob La Da (6-5) – Morning line favorite, but no lock.
- 🎯 Joker: (6) Army Proud (3-1) – Must break clean.
💡 Raymond Report Tip: Maiden claimers are like fishing trips — you’re hunting for improvement, not perfection.
Exacta Box: 2-4 | Trifecta Box: 2-4-1
Race 4 – $58,000 Starter Optional Claiming (1⅛ Miles, Turf) – Post: 2:47 PM
This is a chess match between proven turf routers.
- 🥇 (7) Hamilton’s Way (3-1) – Consistent late kick and class edge.
- 🥈 (1) English Castle (9-2) – Santana will save all the ground on the rail.
- 🥉 (5) Kulapat (8-1) – Sneaky improving; right type for this level.
- 🎯 Joker: (4) Jurisprudence (5-2) – Tough if left alone on the front end.
💡 Raymond Report Tip: Turf routes reward patience — bet horses that settle early and close late.
Exacta Box: 7-1 | Trifecta Box: 7-1-5
Race 5 – $48,000 Maiden Claiming (6 Furlongs, Outer Turf) – Post: 3:20 PM
Fun mid-card race with plenty of pace.
- 🥇 (8) Big Timer (10-1) – Sharp works, ready to surprise at double-digit odds.
- 🥈 (5) Charlestonsphinest (15-1) – Longshot play with improving figures.
- 🥉 (4) Pazz the Soy Sauce (7-2) – Logical contender who always gives effort.
- 🎯 Joker: (3) Hello Newman (7-2) – Yes, “Hello Newman!” — and he could be in your trifecta.
💡 Raymond Report Tip: Don’t overlook turf maidens with experience — they often outrun flashy first-timers.
Exacta Box: 8-5 | Trifecta Box: 8-5-4
Race 6 – $65,000 Starter Allowance (6½ Furlongs, Dirt) – Post: 3:53 PM
Solid field; early fractions could decide everything.
- 🥇 (2) Bear Claw Necklace (2-1) – Early speed, strong finisher, top choice.
- 🥈 (3) Mozambique (8-1) – Second off the bench; live value.
- 🥉 (6) Trust Issues (5-2) – Consistent performer; underneath key.
- 🎯 Joker: (1) Three B’s (4-1) – Could hang around for a slice.
💡 Raymond Report Tip: When a horse has the name “Bear Claw Necklace,” you don’t bet against it unless you hate money.
Exacta Box: 2-3 | Trifecta Box: 2-3-6
Race 7 – $45,000 Claiming (1 1/16 Miles, Turf) – Post: 4:23 PM
Wide-open race — great for horizontal players.
- 🥇 (3) Ruby Hamilton (10-1) – Lightly raced and improving — dangerous.
- 🥈 (4) Surprenant Cocca (2-1) – Classy and consistent; must use in exotics.
- 🥉 (1) Bunny Honey (15-1) – If you like prices, she’s the one to hit the board.
- 🎯 Joker: (5) Island Fox (10-1) – Sneaky trip horse with upset potential.
💡 Raymond Report Tip: Turf claimers = betting opportunities. The public underestimates trip and pace balance every time.
Exacta Box: 3-4 | Trifecta Box: 3-4-1
Race 8 – $85,000 Maiden Special Weight (6 Furlongs, Outer Turf) – Post: 4:53 PM
A good way to close the day — plenty of upside runners and a few live prices.
- 🥇 (3) Raffinato (5-1) – Improving with every start; big shot to graduate.
- 🥈 (9) Bramble Blast (8-1) – Fast works and sneaky connections.
- 🥉 (6) Immortal Poet (8-1) – Consistent efforts, always in the mix.
- 🎯 Joker: (4) Delightful Darling (3-1) – Obvious contender, but vulnerable favorite.
💡 Raymond Report Tip: Late turf sprints often flip the script — watch how the bias plays out early in the day before making your final decision.
Exacta Box: 3-9 | Trifecta Box: 3-9-6
🎩 Final Thoughts
Friday’s card is a classic Aqueduct mix of mid-level claimers and turf tests, perfect for bettors who want steady action with real shot value. Remember:
- Stick with pace control on dirt.
- Look for relaxed stalkers on turf.
- And always give a second look to horses with strong jockey-trainer combos like Santana Jr., Franco, and Alvarado — they win a ton at this meet.
👉 Full stats, win percentages, and Raymond Report betting charts available now at ATSStats.com.
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