Joe Nevills, sales editor of the Daily Racing Form and columnist for Arabian Finish Line, analyzes the Belmont Stakes field in post position order in the form of haiku - a Japanese poem of 17 syllables, in three lines of five, seven, and five.
#1 - Twisted Tom
Paid for admission
No bad steps since turning three
We've seen crazier
#2 - Tapwrit
Off two troubled starts
But he fought back at Churchill
Live with a clean trip
#3 - Gormley
Not quick, but can grind
Could take home some purse money
Out of attrition
#4 - J Boys Echo
Star-making Gotham
Continues to get smaller
In rear-view mirror
#5 - Hollywood Handsome
Ran a distant fifth
In the Illinois Derby
You're still reading this?
#6 - Lookin At Lee
Proven check-getter
Likely peaked at the Derby
But rarely falls far
#7 - Irish War Cry
Using a classic
As a prep for the Haskell
How deep will he dig?
#8 - Senior Investment
Surprising Preakness
Puts his stock on the upswing
Distance causes doubts
#9 - Meantime
Local prep bridesmaid
Could get the pace to himself
Don't think he keeps it
#10 - Multiplier
Didn't show a lot
In class-climbing Preakness try
This test looks tougher
#11 - Epicharis
Japanese hopeful
Has the tools to make a dent
But his vet reports...
#12 - Patch
Outside post again
But he picks up Johnny V
Stands to take a piece
Prediction
If he's away clear,
Tapwrit will grind out a win
Seven, twelve follow