Belmont Park: Horse racing pick of the day for Oct. 23

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Friday, Oct. 23

Belmont Park, Race 9: Allowance/optional claiming (1 mile, 4:47 p.m. ET)

#6 Money Moves (1-1 on the morning line) is a logical favorite for trainer Todd Pletcher. The son of Candy Ride is undefeated in two starts at a mile or less and is dropping sharply in class and distance off a 13th-place effort in the Kentucky Derby (G1).

But since Money Moves will be a short price in the betting, #3 Americanus (7-2) is an appealing alternative. The speedy son of War Front showed talent during the winter and spring at Gulfstream Park, where he won a 7-furlong allowance and finished third in the 1 1/16-mile Unbridled S., beaten by future Belmont Stakes (G1) runner-up Dr Post.

Americanus hasn’t run since April, but he could shake loose on an uncontested lead Friday, which sets the stage for a peak effort in his first start for trainer Shug McGaughey.

With high-percentage jockey Jose Ortiz in the saddle, Americanus is worth betting to win and boxing in the exacta, with Money Moves.

$12 to win on #3 Americanus
$6 exacta: 3 with 6
$12 exacta: 6 with 3
Total: $30

Good luck!