BetAmerica’s horse racing pick of the day: Oct. 2, Belmont Park

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Friday, Oct. 2

Belmont Park, Race 9: Bertram F. Bongard S. (7 furlongs, 5:20 p.m. ET)

#2 Windy Nations (12-1 on the morning line) figures to be overlooked, since he debuted in a $25,000 maiden claiming race at Monmouth Park, but the son of Soaring Empire might not be as overmatched as he appears at first glance.

The Bongard is restricted to New York-breds, but Windy Nations beat open company in his debut and did so impressively, when he rallied from behind a slow pace to crush his rivals by four lengths.

Windy Nations has since moved to the barn of trainer Mike Maker, who has gone 6-for-22 (27%) to start the Belmont meet.

If a fast pace unfolds Friday — and it certainly could — Windy Nations will have every opportunity to rally and steal the show at a big price.

Let’s bet Windy Nations to win and key him under “ALL” in the exacta.

$13 to win on #2 Windy Nation
$1 exacta: ALL with 2 ($7)
Total: $20

Good luck!