How to bet the Just A Game Stakes

A standout field of seven will run one mile over the Belmont Widener turf in Saturday’s $250,000 Just a Game (G1). The field is marked by the return of the sensational Uni, who was last seen romping in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).

Just a Game Analysis

The early tempo of the race will be strong as both #3 Valedictorian and #4 Newspaperofrecord have ample speed from the gate. #2 Got Stormy will also be in the hunt early on, with #5 Regal Glory tracking from close attendance, as well.

Just A Game Contenders

#1 BEAU RECALL -- Multiple Grade 2 vixen draws inside and will be making one-run from off the tempo after saving ground throughout. Brad Cox trainee earned a lifetime best BRIS Speed figure when runner-up in this race last campaign, and she gets a lot of exotics consideration with Jose Ortiz in the controls.

#2 GOT STORMY -- Classy Grade 1 starlet endured a fantastic 2019 season for Mark Casse, which included an excellent second-place result in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Chestnut mare has not been in the same form from a trio of efforts this campaign, however, and her local prep left a lot to be desired when fourth in the Beaugay (G3). Luis Saez picks up the mount.

#3 VALEDICTORIAN -- Kelly Breen trainee is winless in five straight and lands in a very difficult spot on this occasion. Speedy Temple City mare will be a big part of the early action, but she will need a career-topping performance to challenge the top runners late.

#4 NEWSPAPEROFRECORD -- Lope De Vega lass looked like her old self with an authoritative tally in the Intercontinental (G3) in her 4-year-old bow last out. Filly is 4-for-4 on yielding turf, but winless in three tries on firm or good ovals. Fleet bay has every right to improve in her second off the layoff with Irad Ortiz riding.

#5 REGAL GLORY -- Value play has done little wrong in her lifetime to this point while sporting a 9-5-3-0 mark. Animal Kingdom filly had a solid yearly debut when second in the Intercontinental, and she will move forward in her second assignment of 2020. Dangerous chestnut has tactical speed and will get first run on the deep closing types.

#6 UNI -- Stellar chestnut has won seven of her last eight races capped by a sublime victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita in her 2019 finale. More Than Ready 6-year-old is 3-for-4 at Belmont, and she figures to get some swift fractions to rally into in the Just A Game. Joel Rosario will ride the champion mare.

#7 ZOFELLE -- Walsh trainee has been consistently good since arriving in the U. S. Daughter of Zoffany draws outside in the field which will aid her chances, and she will also have some tired legs to run down in the lane, too. A neck third in the Mint Julep (G3) most recently, the 4-year-old will have Javier Castellano in the stirrups and could challenge for a minor award late.

Just a Game Wagers

• $30 Exacta: 6 with 5 ($30)
• $2 Trifecta Box: 1,5,6 ($12)