Curragh's Big Field Offers Opportunities: Close the Loop 4/5 Our NAP at Belmont
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Curragh's Big Field Offers Opportunities: Close the Loop 4/5 Our NAP at Belmont

SMSarah Mitchell
June 28, 2026

Sunday's Racing Preview: Curragh and Belmont Headline Intriguing Cards

In a day filled with exciting racing action across several tracks including Uttoxeter, Wolverhampton, Cartmel, and Curragh, the most compelling storylines come from two continents. At Belmont at the Big A, **Close the Loop** stands out as a high-confidence selection at 4/5, making it our NAP of the day. Meanwhile, Curragh hosts a range of competitive fields that are ripe for smart punters to exploit potential value.

Close the Loop at Belmont: NAP of the Day

Trainer Chad Brown has a formidable charge in **Close the Loop**, a 4/5 favorite in the race at 23:48, covering a mile on a dirt track. With a confidence rating of 88% and exceptional expected value of +15.3%, this horse is poised for the win, particularly given the proven capabilities of jockey Manuel Franco. Franco has been in stellar form, boasting a circuit-leading winning strike rate over the past month. Brown’s record with mile dirt races also speaks volumes, making this selection hard to oppose.

In their most recent outing, **Close the Loop** delivered a second-place finish against a stronger field, showcasing the kind of turn of foot that generally bodes well at Belmont. Given he's running on familiar terrain with advantageous going that suits his running style, there’s a lot to like.

Competitive Fields at Curragh: Assessing the Big Races

The Curragh hosts numerous races with healthy fields today. At 13:40, a brisk 5-furlong dash featuring 16 runners promises to be a spectacle. The going is good, but with no standout favorites, this could be the race where smart punters find an edge.

Later at 17:15, another 16-runner clash over 1m 1f provides fertile ground for value hunters. Both races offer standard good going, allowing form students to rely heavily on past performances in determining potential winners. Those interested in closer inspection should check today's full racecards for all particulars.

Value Bets for Curragh's Crowded Contests

While **Close the Loop** commands attention at Belmont, those seeking value at the Curragh should look towards the 13:10, a tightly contested 7-furlong affair. With 13 entries and promising conditions, there's a likelihood of an upset, particularly among middle-of-the-pack runners who might slip under the radar. For full details and specific tips on horses poised to surprise, don’t miss our each-way selections.

AI Top Picks: High Confidence Call at Laurel Park

Another pearl from our AI-powered insights is **Spidey Man** at Laurel Park. Priced at 3/5 and boasting a confidence level of 91%, this horse leads our international top picks. Spidey Man is partnered with jockey Y Hazlewood and trained by J Ness, both enjoying excellent form. For anyone interested in low-risk, high-reward bets, a wager on this six-furlong dirt event seems astute.

Smart Money Accumulators for Strategic Betting

Todays' racing also presents ideal opportunities for accumulator bets. With selections like Close the Loop and Spidey Man offering solid footing, combining them can enhance overall payout. Use our accumulator tips to craft an intelligent multi-race bet that could prove lucrative.

Best Bets Summary: Top Selections for Sunday

  • **Close the Loop** - Belmont at the Big A, 4/5, 23:48, Dirt, 1 Mile
  • **Spidey Man** - Laurel Park, 3/5, 01:13, Dirt, 6 Furlongs
  • **Naabaahii** - Colonial Downs, 4/5, 02:17, Inner Turf, 1 Mile

These selections offer a balance of high confidence and value, helping to navigate today’s challenging racing landscape effectively. For an overview of results as they come in, head over to our latest results page.

If new insights for tomorrow pique your interest, explore tomorrow's early selections for a head start on the next card.