HiBigBoy, a Harlequin Farm-bred, makes his debut at Belmont Park on Wednesday, July 2, in the 5th race. He is number 2 in the field of 8 maiden NY Breds. Morning line odds are not out (as of Sunday evening), but he's sure not to be the favorite with Blazing Buddha and Tough Jake coming in off of well contested placings last out. Paulie's Picks has him 4th of 8, and first among the firsters.
Off his scintillating work Saturday (48.14, 5/44, from the gate), it's a very positive sign that he's been wheeled back to start 4 days later. Another positive sign is that the trainer's son-in-law, 2-time Eclipse award winner, and bobble-head model, John Velazquez, has taken the mount. HiBigBoy's trainer, Leo O'Brien, has trained top horses in the past, including champion Yank's Music, Irish 2000 Guineas winner Fourstars Allstar, and perennial Saratoga favorite Fourstardave.
Leo is not known as trainer of first time winners, but the one I couldtrack down had similarly strong works before heading to the track.
Post time is approximately 3:06 PM EDT.
Update: 6th. However, he had a fine move in the middle to close a 20.5 length deficit to an 11 length deficit before being passed for 6th.
Paulie's Picks had a $37.20 day, with the $21.00 winner of the 7th, $10.60 in the 6th, and $5.60 in the 2nd.