Wunderdog

BELMONT PARK Race #2 at 1:30 PM Eastern
Top pick: #6 (BALLYTHUNDER) - Drops slightly for his second career start. He showed good early speed in his debut chasing a wire-to-wire class dropper and he held well for the show. Trainer Richard Dutrow is fine second time out (30%) and any improvement at all should get the job done.
2nd pick: #7 (Soonasigetpaid) - Improvement has been noticeable since a switch to the high-percentage Mike Maker three starts back. Stalker has finished third in his last pair and Maker will add blinkers (a 33% winning angle for the barn). Could win this if the top pick falters.
3rd pick: #3 (Orient Song) - Takes a big drop for trainer Dave Duggan in his second back off a 5 1/2 month layoff. "Legged-up" on the turf, runner shortens-up and moves back to the main track. Duggan is sharp on the surface switch (winning at a 24% clip).