Handicapping Friday’s Late Pick 4 at Belmont Park

The True North (G2) kicks off a $500,000 guaranteed Pick 4 Friday at Belmont Park (races 8-11) and I will take a swing at the sequence.

Race 8

#3 Imperial Hint shows a pair of sharp works since faltering as the favorite in the Churchill Downs (G2) over a wet track and bounced back convincingly from his last two setback. The 6 ½-furlong trip is favorable and he looks poised for a strong showing with regular rider Javier Castellano.

#4 Bobby Abu Dhabi invades for Peter Miller, who shipped eventual sprint champion Roy H to win last year’s True North. Perfect from three attempts at the distance, Bobby Abu Dhabi doesn’t have the triple-digit BRIS Speed ratings of Roy H but does exits a nice tally in the Kona Gold (G2) at Santa Anita. He’s the likely beneficiary if the top choice falters.

Race 9

#5 Sistercharlie is the most likely winner following an excellent victory in the Jenny Wiley (G1) but I’ll go two-deep with the lone speed, #1 Fahan Mara, who was up by six lengths early in her last win and rates a chance to steal it with rapidly-improving form.

Race 10

European shippers swept the superfecta in last year’s Belmont Gold Cup (G2) and #1 Call to Mind and #4 Funny Kid are major contenders today. I’ll give a slight edge to the latter as Funny Kid has won three of his last four starts (with a neck second) and relishes the two-mile distance.

#3 Prince of Arran, #5 Canessar and #10 Rocketry are capable options if the top two don’t bring their best.

Race 11

Todd Pletcher wins at a 30% clip the second time out and #8 Steeles Run is the one to beat following a rallying second in an April 21 turf maiden special weight. #10 Hampton Point is intriguing at look odds – he was too far back after a slow start last time but offered a decent turn of foot to pass rivals in the stretch. Lemon Drop Kid colt figures to improve second time out for Jimmy Toner.

#2 Mathematician, #5 Into the Beach, #6 My Dream and #9 Prompt are also in with a chance.

Pick 4 strategy

Imperial Hint is my strongest opinion and I’ll single him in the main ticket. All tickets are 50-cent denominations.

3 with 1,5 with 1,3,4,5,10 with 2,5,6,8,9,10 ($30)

4 with 1,5 with 1,3,4,5,10 with 8,10 ($10)

4 with 1,5 with 1,4 with 2,5,6,9 ($8)

3 with 1,5 with 1,4 with 8,10 ($4)

Total = $52

Good luck!