Summer Bird 2009 Belmont Stakes Predictions: Summer Bird could be waiting in the wings to steal some of the thunder created by his half brother Mine That Bird in today's $1-million Belmont Stakes. Summer Bird might be a 12 to 1 long shot at online horse book Bodog but please don't forget; his brother won the Kentucky Derby as a 50 to 1 longshot.

Summer Bird has been hanging around throughout the spring. He won a Maiden Special Weight race on March 19 at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas, then finished third to Papa Clem in the Arkansas Derby April 11. Summer Bird then finished sixth in the Kentucky Derby. One big thing that sticks out in handicapping Summer Bird is that he is always running in the top half of the field. Word is out that Summer Bird is the Wise Guy's or Smart Money choice to pull an upset at Belmont.

Summer Bird's pedigree is shot through with Grade-1 Kentucky Derby and Belmont connections. He is by millionaire Birdstone, who carved out a permanent niche in racing history by foiling Smarty Jones' Triple Crown bid in the 2004 Belmont Stakes.

Summer Bird is out of the thrice-placed mare Hong Kong Squall, who has produced four other winners, three at route distances. She is by multiple Grade 1 star Summer Squall, the runner-up to Unbridled in the 1990 Kentucky Derby who turned the tables next time out in the Grade-1 Preakness Stakes.
Summer Bird is the Wise Guys choice at 12-1 odds. Make bets at Bodog sports and horse book.