US Horse Racing Tips: Two Friday picks from Belmont At The Big A

Our Stateside expert, Paul Quigley, is back with Friday's US Horse Racing Tips, looking to land two wins from Belmont At The Big A.

Check out his two selections below, one starting at 21:42 (BST), and the other at 22:14 (BST).

21:42 Belmont At The Big A (Race 8) - Mo Kreesa (1) @ SP

It is hard to argue with anyone who sides with likely favourite Iron Max (3) here. He’s much improved since being claimed by trainer Brad Cox. The three-year-old has won back-to-back races. He won a starter event at Saratoga last month, despite a slow start. Breaking badly is a habit of his. Presuming he does so again, Flavien Prat may need some racing luck to find the gaps in the straight. Interestingly, his jockey sticks with him, having ridden a few others in this lineup.

Iron Max (3) may be a shortish price. There are alternatives if that is the case. The trio that may have the most upside come out of similar races to this one at Saratoga last month. Annexperience (10) lost all chance after being bumped at the start last time.

His near eight-length maiden win prior to that is contending form. However, a slight preference is for Mo Kreesa (1). He ran deceptively well under restraint when behind Outtawaterbury (6) last time. New rider Ricardo Santana Jr. is likely to be more aggressive early on. If he is part of a fast pace, it will suit favourite Iron Max (3) and Charles J (4). The latter may reverse the form with Terminal Velocity (7) if the early fractions are honest.

22:14 Belmont At The Big A (Race 9) - War Officer (1) each-way @ SP

Enlighten (11) was made odds on for a race at this level at Saratoga following some fine efforts in better events at Gulfstream. He came up a nose shy with Final Denile (10) a length behind him. He was aided by insane early fractions, closing from well back. He can be more forwardly placed and may improve the second time back after a long layoff. The four-year-old runs for a new trainer after being claimed. That’s a slight worry. Right to Win (8) is probably a safer proposition. He is on a hat-trick after a maiden and a claiming score. He’s a likely late player. Being trained by Chad Brown means he probably goes off as the clear second favourite.

If Heathguard (6) is fit after an absence, he can win this. He was placed in a trio of arguably deeper races at Tampa in the winter. His trainer’s modest record with layoff runners is a possible negative with him. Like most of these, War Officer (1) has questions to answer. He is running for a new trainer. New handler Linda Rice does have a good record with first-time claims. He ran well over further than today at Saratoga, but has plenty of form at around today’s distance. With a good draw on the rail, he has a chance of making the frame at least.

Steadfast Resolve (4) may improve cutting back from eleven furlongs. Sassy Princess (5) won first time in New York in July. It is interesting that her new connections opt to take on the boys. Just for Luck (7) finished a nose behind the selection here in June. His trainer can’t stay on the cold list forever.

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Paul Quigley is a long-time US racing fan and tipster. He provides US Horse Racing Tips for Betfred Insights as well as working for Betfred TV...