​Belmont Horse Racing Picks for Friday 6/18/21

Starting at 1:00 p.m. EST, we have nine races at Belmont Park. Using numberFire’s projections as a guide, here are some of the best bets to make at FanDuel Racing.

As always, check for scratches and changes and monitor the weather and track conditions.

(I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure in selected races, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races -- adjusted for track, distances, and conditions.)

Stefanie On Fleek and Unicorn Sally, Race 3

FanDuel Racing Odds: 10/1 and 12/1

Race 3 is a Claiming race for fillies and mares, and it's going 1 1/16 miles on the turf. numberFire projects favorite Wicked Mercury (5/2) to win ahead of Saburai (5/1). Wicked Mercury appears tough at this level with a pair of runner-up finishes and improved speed ratings up to 89 last race in April. Her last four races were at Gulfstream, including a win in December at this claiming level. Leading jockey Jose Ortiz rides with an expected pace-pressing and stalking trip.

But looking for value and a bigger score, Top Race Reports and the ECHR suggest longer odds with Stefanie On Fleek (10/1) and Unicorn Sally (12/1). Stefanie on Fleek has a pair of in-the-money finishes her last two starts, including one week ago off a four-month layoff. She kept on strong to the finish, galloping out in a sprint, and now gets more ground with strong stretch jockey Joel Rosario bringing her home again at longer odds for EPO trainer Rude Rodriguez.

Unicorn Sally is a closer who raced just two weeks ago off a layoff. She was given that race and should move better today -- having also won here last fall to break her maiden and then improving her speed ratings in subsequent races.

Shesawildjoker and November Rein, Race 4

FanDuel Racing Odds: 9/2 and 5/2

Race 4 is a Maiden Special Weight for state bred two-year-old fillies sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs. The favorite is Kant Hurry Love (9/5), who makes her debut and will try to beat other baby juveniles. But November Rein (5/2) breaks from the outside No. 8 post and is the top pick, according to numberFire's algorithm. She makes her debut, and her sire is multiple Grade 1 winner Street Boss.

Top Race Reports points to debut runner Shesawildjoker (9/2) for more value, and Jose Ortiz is electing to ride with a pair of strong morning works in place, including a bullet.

Saratoga Kisses finished a distant second a month ago, and Top Race Reports suggests an improved race.

Danzigwiththestars and Ruse, Race 6

FanDuel Racing Odds: 8/1 and 8/1

Race 6 is a Maiden Special Weight for state breds going 1 mile on the turf. We've got a full field of runners, and based on his last race speed figure (84) and runner-up finish a month ago, Bar Fourteen (3/1 is the favorite and pick of numberFire to win. Top jockey Luis Saez rides, and Bar Fourteen was listed at longer odds previously before an improved race last out.

Danzigwiththestars (8/1) and bigger longshot Athenry (15/1) are better options for payoff, according to ECHR. Danzigwiththestars can improve in his second race off a layoff, and Athenry makes his second start after a wide trip and fifth-place finish last race.

Also, Ruse (8/1) showed promise racing on the turf as a two-year-old and has been working steadily at Belmont off her last race five months ago.