Thursday's Best Bet: Clint Maroon can bounce back in Manila Stakes

Thursday’s eighth race from Belmont Park is the $100,000 Manila Stakes for 3-year-olds traveling one mile on the turf course (Post Time - 5:18 p.m. ET).

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#8 CLINT MAROON (3-1) had his 3-race turf win streak snapped in a 5th place finish in the Pennine Ridge (G3) June 1. That graded affair was contested at a mile and an eighth, and he had the lead in the stretch before weakening late. I like his early-pressing versatility, and this one mile juourney is perfect. 

#4 Pole Setter (9-2) stole the Paradise Creek at seven panels last time. There is not much pace in today's paper race, but his main pace rival is my top choice, and he will have to run faster throughout to win this. Luis Saez is 4-for-5 with Brad Cox recently. 

#6 Fog of War (9-2) was the beaten favorite in his Paradise Creek return, and he adds blinkers for this engagement. He won both of his turf starts last year, including the Summer Stakes (G1), and he could easily bounce back for Javier Castellano and Chad Brown.  A stalking trip is expected. 

#7 Win Win Win (7-2) shows up in an interesting spot after having some minor success on the Triple Crown trail. His turf pedigree is okay, and he fired a turf bullet at Laurel Park June 23. This shorter distance helps, and he is a threat if he handles the footing. 

Wagers:

#8 to win

Exacta 8/4-6-7

Exacta 4-6-7/8

Recent Best Bet Winners:

June 21 - CALL YOU TOMORROW ($4.00), Exacta ($3.50)

June 24 - PEMAQUID PETE ($8.40)

June 27 - LADY WORTHINGTON ($6.20), Exacta ($12.80)

June 28 - OLEKSANDRA ($9.50)

June 30 - Mr. Buff/Dynamax Prime Exacta ($7.00)

July 1 - MR GREY ($4.00), Exacta ($15.20)

July 3 - Lucullan/Noble Indy Exacta ($17.40)