VIC CANGIALOSI New York Post racing handicapper

1. Forte: The 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s thrilling 31-length victory in the Belmont Stakes. I was all of 12 years old, watching it on our portable antenna-dependent television. My dad wanted to make it interesting. So we bet 25 cents. He gave me Secretariat. He took the other five horses knowing full well what was about to unfold. Though Big Red finished the race in a different area code than his rivals, the well-rested Forte should outkick the stretch runners and catch the speedy Preakness winner National Treasure.

2. Tapit Trice: Our Kentucky Derby pick missed the break as usual then picked off a few tired rivals to finish an uneventful seventh. I was expecting better. The Bluegrass winner took the middle leg off and moves to the “Test of Champions” off five-weeks’ rest. No traffic, no excuses this time even if he breaks last of nine. But we believe Todd Pletcher’s other horse, Forte, will be stronger down the lane.

3. National Treasure: Speed kills and jockey John Velazquez took full advantage of the lack of it in the Preakness. Broke alertly, got away with a soft half mile and had plenty left at speed-friendly Pimlico. Should take early heat from Tapit Shoes and Il Miracolo, but after he shakes them off he will have the tough task of holding off a cavalry of quality closers.