Expert picks: Predictions for Saturday's Peter Pan Stakes
Often used as a prep for the Belmont Stakes, Saturday’s Grade 3, $350,000 Peter Pan Stakes includes multiple runners who could graduate to run in the final leg of the Triple Crown series.
First, they’ll have to prove worthy.
Core Beliefs is the anticipated favorite breaking from the rail in the field of eight. Last out, he was third in the Santa Anita Derby that included Justify, Bolt d’Oro and Instilled Regard.
Just Whistle has faced another Derby runner, Hofburg, while, Blended Citizen has won at the Grade 3 level and High North stepped out in his previous start having added blinkers.
What to make of the field? We asked our network of contributors for their expert picks. Consider them ahead of the 6:18 p.m. ET post time, and note that some selections pre-date news that Diamond King is expected to scratch and run instead in the May 19 Preakness Stakes:
Bryan Brinkmeyer, The Kentucky Derby Post (@thederbypost.com)
Winner: #6 High North
On the board: #1 Core Beliefs, #4 Blended Citizen
Longshot I like: #2 Zing Zang
Analysis: After giving it a go during the Derby prep season which included three Grade 2 starts, High North came out empty handed. Yet, he bounced back and found the winner's circle last time out against field with less class than he was used to seeing. Now, he’s ready to win his first graded stakes contest as Blended Citizen and Core Beliefs battle gamely for the place.
Jeffrey Byrnes, Byrnzzze's Corner (@jeffbyrnes96)
Winner: #6 High North
On the board: #1 Core Beliefs, #3 Just Whistle
Longshot I like: #4 Blended Citizen
Analysis: High North put it all together in his last start. Fitted with blinkers for the first time, he stalked the pace and pounced to an easy win in Oaklawn's Northern Spur. Now, he returns to the track where he finished second to graded stakes winner Avery Island last fall. With Florent Geroux set to come to New York, High North should get a stalking trip on the outside and make a sustained move on the turn. With a new set of blinkers and a clean, stalking trip, High North can win the Peter Pan.
Nick Costa, Trackside with Trackman
Winner: #1 Core Beliefs
On the board: #3 Just Whistle, #4 Blended Citizen
Longshot I like: #2 Zing Zang
Analysis: Core Beliefs' distant third-place finish in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby to the eventual Kentucky Derby winner should be enough merit to win here. Just Whistle has speed figures which are cycling upward. Further improvement puts him in the winner’s circle. Blended Citizen beat half the field in the Blue Grass. He could be eligible to improve second time on dirt. Zing Zang participated on the Derby trail with mid-pack finishes. He gets blinkers and a positive rider switch but needs plenty of pace for his closing style.
Casey Laughter, The Tattooed Tracksider (@WritingCasey)
Winner: #1 Core Beliefs
On the board: #6 High North, #4 Blended Citizen
Longshot I like: #8 Transistor
Analysis: Core Beliefs, on paper, is just better than this group. He has the versatility to be where he needs to be in the race. Belmont and its Big Sandy reputation are a variable, so we'll see how the Santa Anita shipper handles it. High North not only comes from the red-hot Brad Cox barn but also carries top jockey Florent Geroux. He has run against some very nice horses, so this may even be considered a class "relief" in some eyes. If there's a fast pace, look out for Blended Citizen at the end.
Averie Levanti, 31 Lengths
Winner: #1 Core Beliefs
On the board: #3 Just Whistle, #4 Blended Citizen
Longshot I like: #8 Transistor
Analysis: Core Beliefs could be the lone speed. Running third last out (behind Justify and Bolt d'Oro, and finishing ahead of Instilled Regard) in the Santa Anita Derby is nothing to be ashamed of. Just Whistle and Blended Citizen will be coming on late.
Reinier Macatangay, Setting the Pace (@tracinglifemore)
Winner: #1 Core Beliefs
On the board: #6 High North, #3 Just Whistle
Longshot I like: #2 Zing Zang
Analysis: Unfortunately, this looks like a straightforward race on paper. Core Beliefs holds the high speed figure and can control the pace if Diamond King does not start. Perhaps blinkers will help longshot Zing Zang get into the race earlier.
Olivia Newman, @barbaroloverrr, The Final Stride
Winner: #1 Core Beliefs
On the board: #3 Just Whistle, #6 High North
Longshot I like: #2 Zing Zang
Analysis: Core Beliefs is getting some class relief after his last start against Justify and Bolt D’Oro. He’s training sharp. His front-running style should give him control of the race.
Mary Dixon Reynolds, The Gallop Out (@nchorseplayer)
Winner: #1 Core Beliefs
On the board: #5 Diamond King, #7 Gotta Go
Longshot I like: #6 High North
Analysis: I'm going for a Quality Road exacta. Justify's Kentucky Derby win makes Core Beliefs' Santa Anita Derby third-place finish look impressive.
Laurie Ross, Pedigree Power (@IMTBreds)
Winner: #3 Just Whistle
On the board: #4 Blended Citizen, #1 Core Beliefs
Longshot I like: #5 Diamond King
Analysis: Just Whistle boasts improving form as well as a pedigree to handle 1 1/2 miles. He possesses a classy distaff line, as his dam is graded stakes placed at 10 furlongs.