COMMANDING CURVE came on strong weaving and bobbing through traffic to get up for place honors in the Kentucky Derby. Word is he is training better than ever and is coming in stronger than he did for the Derby so he could be peaking at the right time. Like to see him sit somewhat closer to the pack than his usual multiple lengths behind in case of snail like fractions.
WICKED STRONG stumbled and had traffic problems coming out of the 19 hole in the Derby but was still able to muster up a late closing kick to finish fourth. Logical closing threat who has the most experience on the Belmont track including a win. Solid work tab including bullet drill last workout.
TONALIST is the most likely chaperon up front with Cali Chrome with good tactical speed and a top-notch jockey in Joel Rosario. The duo won the Peter Pan Stakes on a sloppy Belmont track by four lengths last out and has been freshened since. Starting from post 11, I imagine Rosario will keep an eye to the inside and see if Chrome comes smoking out of the gate.
Two extreme long shots are MEDAL COUNT and COMMISSIONER. Medal Count deserves another shot at the title after a contaminated trip in the Derby. Commissioner has had more rough trips than the Griswolds and should get first crack at the front-runners sitting a couple of lengths off.
Love's Bet
• $1 trifecta (1,4,8,9,11/2/all) and (1,4,8,9,11/all/2)
• $2 exacta (1,4,8,9,11/2)
• $2 win ticket on California Chrome
Total: $102
