Belmont Park Free Pick for Today

Race 7 Post: 3:11 PM ET Outer turf

6 Furlongs | State Bred | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up | ALLOWANCE | Purse: $80,000 Exacta ($1), Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Double ($1) 7 & 8, Pick 3 ($1) (7-9)

#4 Twisted Filigree (5-2)

• Jockey: F. Francom (14% in 2024)

• Trainer: George Weaver (17% in 2024)

• TimeformUS Pace: Early 106, Late 55

• Last Beyer: 80

• Field Beyer Average: 73

• Running Style: Speed

Comment: Twisted Filigree brings early speed and has posted competitive Beyers, including an 80 in his recent allowance effort. Francom’s experience with frontrunners aligns well with Twisted Filigree’s running style, and he should be in the mix early. If he can secure a clear lead, he’ll be tough to catch, though he’ll need to avoid a pace duel.

#2 Eddie the Great (6-1)

• Jockey: L.R. Rivera Jr. (12% in 2024)

• Trainer: Claudio Gonzalez (16% in 2024)

• TimeformUS Pace: Early 69, Late 88

• Last Beyer: 75

• Field Beyer Average: 73

• Running Style: Stalker

Comment: Eddie the Great has shown improvement in his recent outings and boasts a strong Late Pace figure of 88, making him a threat if he can stay close to the leaders. With Rivera aboard, he’s positioned for a strong closing move. His Beyer and pace figures indicate he's well-suited for this level, and at 6-1, he presents solid value for exotics.

#12 Li'l Lang (7-2)

• Jockey: F. Prat (21% in 2024)

• Trainer: Jorge Abreu (16% in 2024)

• TimeformUS Pace: Early 94, Late 73

• Last Beyer: 80

• Field Beyer Average: 73

• Running Style: Presser

Comment: Li’l Lang has been consistent on turf and recently posted a competitive 80 Beyer. He has tactical speed, which should allow him to stay in contention early before making a strong push. Prat is a strong choice for a jockey with tactical horses, and Li’l Lang’s consistent Beyers make him a reliable option at 7-2.

#9 Nano Man (8-1)

• Jockey: L.J. Luzzi (6% in 2024)

• Trainer: John Kimmel (12% in 2024)

• TimeformUS Pace: Early 88, Late 73

• Last Beyer: 73

• Field Beyer Average: 73

• Running Style: Closer

Comment: Nano Man’s late-running style makes him an interesting choice, especially if the pace is swift. He’s been consistent with mid-range Beyers and, at 8-1, brings value as a potential deep closer. Kimmel has success with closers in sprints, and with a well-timed move, Nano Man could be a factor in the late stages.

Churchill Free Pick for Today

Race 7 Post: 3:55 PM ET Dirt

5 1/2 Furlongs | Open | 3 Year Olds | ALLOWANCE | Purse: $141,000 Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9)

#6 VALENTINE CANDY (9-5)

• Jockey: Ortiz J (19% 2024)

• Trainer: Asmussen S (17% 2024)

• TimeformUS Pace: Early 106 Late 84

• Last Beyer: 87

• Running Style: Speed/Presser

Multiple stakes winner with field-best 102 Beyer. Strong recent form including 87-102-73-83 figures. Well-balanced pace figures allow tactical versatility. Won $500k stakes two back showing class. Gets leading rider Ortiz and top barn. Best recent speed figures in field.

#3 JOE SHIESTY (5-1)

• Jockey: Machado L (15% 2024)

• Trainer: Foster E (13% 2024)

• TimeformUS Pace: Early 124 Late 57

• Last Beyer: 94

• Running Style: Speed

Won last out with career-best 94 Beyer. Highest early pace figure (124) suggests controlling speed. Was dominant winner of last allowance. Three wins in last 4 starts showing sharp current form. Well drawn to utilize early foot.

#4 BILLAL (2-1)

• Jockey: Gaffalione T (17% 2024)

• Trainer: Mott W (15% 2024)

• TimeformUS Pace: Early 101 Late 76

• Last Beyer: 86

• Running Style: Presser

Won last out going 6F at CD with 86 Beyer. Consistent pattern with 86-90-80-93 figures. Tactical speed to track leaders. Strong connections and proven over track. Sharp current form for Hall of Fame trainer.

#2 BEAR RIVER (6-1)

• Jockey: Graham J (8% 2024)

• Trainer: Desormeaux J (12% 2024)

• TimeformUS Pace: Early 116 Late 72

• Last Beyer: 72

• Running Style: Speed

Four wins this year showing talent. High early pace figure (116) gives options up front. Has been facing quality company. Adds value to exotics at morning line.