My name is Conrad Bandoroff and I am currently a student at Sewanee:The University of the South. I began my summer internship with Bradley Thoroughbreds in mid-May and I can confidently say that after a few weeks on the job I know that this summer will be a rewarding and educational experience for me. I have spent my entire life working yearling and bloodstock sales, as well as at my family’s farm: Denali Stud. Additionally, I have spent the past two summers gaining racetrack experience working for Hall of Famer Bill Mott and John Ward. This summer, however, offers a unique opportunity to learn an aspect of the industry that I have little prior experience in. Rather than spend my days showing yearlings or grooming race horses, my time with Bradley Thoroughbreds will develop my ability to research, observe, and evaluate horses on paper, as well as in the flesh.
As the eyes of the horse racing world turn their attention to Elmont, New York for Saturday’s 145th running of the Belmont Stakes, we see a race that has a multitude of unique stories to offer. There will be no Triple Crown bid this year. However the Belmont offers a Preakness rematch between Orb and Oxbow, as well as a “test of the Toddsters” and other equally intriguing athletes who will face off competing to be crowned the victor of the “Test of a Champion”.
With that being said, I find that this is no easy race to handicap—I may just have to wait to hear Michelle Beadle’s picks! Until her picks are in, here’s who I like for the 145th Belmont Stakes:
- Orb 2. Will Take Charge 3.Revolutionary
(In no particular order)
