The Simon Miller trained First Among Equals continues to raise the bar this time in and see no reason why he won't continue that trend at Belmont on Saturday.
Successful in notching up his fifth straight win last start, the son of Exceed and Excel is clearly racing in career best form and rates as the one to beat in the second event.
Unbeaten in two attempts over 1200m, First Among Equals was most impressive coming from well off the speed last start and is expected to adopt similar tactics with decent speed anticipated up-front.Gigante appears one of the likely front-runners with Inok, Born To Excel and Miki Two Toes not too far away.
Currently installed the even money favourite, First Among Equals still presents good value as if priced aggressively we have marked closer to a $1.70 chance.Thus we are presented with the case of a weighted coin and a more than happy to gamble, as we views his prospects of winning the race closer to six times out of 10, than five.
The Simon Miller trained Liberty's Gem will likely do it tough from the wide draw, however he appeals highly returning to the set-weights conditions of the Listed Belmont Guineas.Forced to carry the big weight at his last two starts, the son of Statue Of Liberty hasn't been far off the mark and should be right at his peak racing fifth up.
A winner of four of his eight career starts, Liberty's Gem has displayed plenty of ability and given he is already a Group 3 winner he appears very well placed on best form.The step up to the mile is questionable, however Peter Knuckey knows him well (placed 3/3) and his natural gate speed should help him cross and either lead or sit just off.
Currently installed a 7-1 chance appears a more than fair each-way gamble as if able to return to his best he does hold an edge over his rivals.We obviously respect both Top Show and Keysbrook, however at the price we have to lean the way of Liberty's Gem.
BET OF THE DAY : Race 2 #1 First Among Equals @ $2.00EACH WAY PLAY: Race 7 #1 Liberty's Gem @ $4.50
