Bob Ehalt and Tom Pedulla grew to become quick associates once they met on their first day at Fordham Preparatory College within the Bronx, N.Y., in 1970. Bob quickly launched Tom to the fun of Thoroughbred racing.
They’ve endured some tough moments on the observe, with Tom taking exception when Bob repeatedly smacks him on the again with a program as considered one of their horses launches an all-out drive. A lot to Tom’s chagrin and the amusement of onlookers, Bob has been recognized to name for safety as he proceeds to money a $27 triple.
They’ve owned numerous horses collectively and had been a part of the group that owned 1998 Whitney Handicap runner-up Story of the Cat. They’re typically seen carrying on as in the event that they by no means left their teenage years.
Right here is their tackle the 156th Belmont Stakes Introduced by NYRA Bets, to be run at a mile and 1 / 4 Saturday, June 8 at Saratoga Race Course:
PEDULLA: Bob, I’m not offered on both Kentucky Derby Introduced by Woodford Reserve winner Mystik Dan or mud-loving Preakness Stakes front-runner Seize the Gray as the perfect 3-year-old within the land. I stay a believer in Sierra Leone, who missed justifying my confidence in him by an exasperating nostril within the Derby. Whereas I didn’t be taught something about bits rising up within the Bronx, I feel I acknowledge a superior horse in any case these years. And that’s Sierra Leone.
EHALT: Thomas, we’ve got come full circle for the reason that Kentucky Derby. We’re each siding with Sierra Leone as soon as once more. I imagine that is his second to place every little thing collectively and switch in a powerful victory. Chad Brown successful at Saratoga? We’ve each seen that always sufficient to hop on board and money some tickets, which you understand is considered one of my favourite issues.
PEDULLA: There’s plenty of worth to be present in Honor Marie and I absolutely anticipate the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby runner-up to rebound from his terrible journey in Kentucky, the place he did effectively to run eighth. I’m at all times drawn to horses that I’m positive can run the gap. A mile and 1 / 4 is completely no downside for this son of Honor Code.
EHALT: I assumed Mystik Dan turned in a powerful effort within the Preakness. The tempo labored in Seize the Gray’s favor at Pimlico and coach Ken McPeek’s traditional winner confirmed his class by taking second. A Kentucky Derby win, second within the Preakness and a begin within the Belmont reveals his class and consistency. Add in the potential of a moist observe and he’s in my boxed exacta with Sierra Leone.
PEDULLA: Mindframe is 2-for-2 and clearly has a ton of expertise. However it’s asking an incredible quantity to assume he is able to deal with such a deep and seasoned subject in his graded stakes debut.
EHALT: I feel the mile and 1 / 4 is a giant ask for Mindframe at this stage in his profession. He has sufficient expertise to be a giant risk however not sufficient expertise. Such as you, I’ve slotted him for third.
PEDULLA: Bob, I do know we each have nice respect for Invoice Mott. One of many keys to his success is that he doesn’t ask his horses to do greater than they’re able to. If he thinks Resilience can get a chunk of the Belmont, that’s adequate for me.
EHALT: I see your level about Honor Marie. Horses who’ve unhealthy journeys within the Kentucky Derby typically rebound with good showings within the Belmont. He had a depressing journey. This seems like his possibilities to get journey and land within the cash and set off some good payoffs, which, like vibrant copper kettles, are a few of my favourite issues.
