Belmont Classic – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Mostly Fine

Eight runners have accepted for the $125,000 Listed Belmont Classic and there have been no early scratchings. The Daniel & Ben Pearce stable have entered two horses for the feature with every other trainer only entering one horse each.

Black Fantasy is the early favourite at $2.90. He was the winner of the Aquanita Stakes a fortnight ago, beating home his stablemate Outspoken Lad ($6.00) who was fighting back at the end of the 2000m, and Tizzle Top ($18.00). On the second line of betting is Mystery Moment at $4.20 who really powered over the final 200m when fourth in the Belmont Oaks.

Coming out of the Belmont Oaks is third favourite Flower In The Wind ($5.50), as well as third placing, Be Optimistic ($6.50) and Cartanera ($14.00).

1. Black Fantasy (4)

Winner of the Aquanita Stakes. Followed the stable mate Outspoken Lad throughout before fighting to the line. Looks a grinding type who could stay on well but lacks a decisive turn-of-foot. If this becomes a staying test, look out.

2. Outspoken Lad (3)

Led up the field in the Aquanita Stakes before being beaten by the stablemate. To his credit, he fought back well and made it interesting on the line. Another who is very much a grinding type of horse. Will get his own way in-front and will be in this for a long way.

3. Tizzle Top (6)

Coming out of the Aquanita Stakes where he was just okay. Can’t have him here.

4. God’s Fury (8)

Entered in at Northam on Thursday also. Form suggests this is too hard.

5. Be Optimistic (2)

Ran third in the Belmont Oaks. She came with a nice run but laid in late under pressure. Might run a cheeky race but I suspect that the longer the race is, the more she will struggle.

6. Mystery Moment (7)

Luckless fourth in the Belmont Oaks where she found no room at all yet still managed to run top two in the final 200m sectionals for the race. Gives the indication that 2200m is ideal and Clint Johnston-Porter will aim to not make similar decisions in the run. Top two chance.

7. Flower In The Wind (5)

Another who was luckless in the Belmont Oaks. Dwelt the start before getting no luck at the top of the straight and against held up towards the 200m mark. Though despite this, she somehow was the quickest over the final 200m. Chris Parnham jumps aboard and will no doubt have seen the replay. 2200m looks ideal and is the other top two chance.

8. Cartenera (1)

Fifth in the Belmont Oaks. Can’t have.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.