Jeff Siegel’s National Best Plays
Belmont Park – Fifth Race. Post time: 3:03 ET
4-Sidekick (4-1)
Was given a nice, educational run in his debut last month when finding his best stride late to wind up a closing third without being knocked about in a strong, highly-rated race for the level. With that bit of experience behind him, the switch to Joel Rosario, and an extra quarter of a mile to work with, the son of Honor Code should improve enough to earn his diploma for trainer Shug McGaughey, who boasts solid stats with the second-time starter angle. With three easy breezes since raced to tick him over, this developing sophomore colt offers good wagering value at or near his morning line of 7/2.
Belmont Park – Eighth race. Post time: 4:40 ET
4-Parnac (5-1)
Makes her U.S. debut for trainer Christophe Clement, who generally has excellent success with European imports (20%), and this French-bred filly by way of Germany won both of her starts overseas last fall in clever fashion to indicate she should do quite well on this side of the pond. The work tab is solid and steady and should have her fit enough for a major effort in this first-level allowance grass miler. She gets Lasix and Joel Rosario brings with her a Timeform rating (81) that makes a highly-competitive at this level. Listed at 5-1 on the morning line, she’s worth strong consideration in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics.
