How to bet the Saturday turf stakes at Belmont Park

A pair of excellent graded stakes races for sophomores on the lawn are part of the Belmont S. (G1) undercard on Saturday.

Pennine Ridge (G2)

A field of seven colts will travel one mile on the Widener turf course in a competitive event. Grade 1 winner #1 Decorated Invader is the one to beat for Christophe Clement. Declaration of War colt is a genuine performer with a wicked turn of foot, and he is a must-use from the rail. Joel Rosario stays in the silks atop the classy Kentucky-bred.

I have been impressed with the two races by #2 Venezuelan Hug since he was claimed by the Gargan barn. Constitution colt closed boldly into a slow pace to beat optional claiming foes at Gulfstream Park most recently, and the gray will add value to the field at a price. One-run closer will have Saez in the silks.

Wagers

• $1 Superfecta: 1 with 2 with all with all ($20)
• $1 Superfecta: 1 with all with 2 with all ($20)

Wonder Again (G3)

A field of five fillies will go postward in the one-mile affair. As much as I acknowledge that #2 Sweet Melania is the one to beat as the controlling speed in the field, I am siding with Chad Brown’s #5 Selflessly from the outside post.

The $190,000 weanling purchase flashed considerable talent from three races as a juvenile, and I am expecting her to have a superb 2020 campaign. Maryland-bred daughter of More Than Ready capped her 2019 season with an even fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) from an impossible post, and she has trained steadily since the middle of March in anticipation of her return. Regular pilot Castellano retains the ride.

Wagers

• $20 Win: #5 Selflessly ($20)
• $20 Exacta: 5 with 2 ($20)