The Belmont Stakes lost much of its luster when Always Dreaming was beaten in the Preakness Stakes. An even greater interest dropped when Classic Empire scratched. But what’s left in the field for the third leg of the Triple Crown are a dozen horses, none of which really stand out as obvious favorites, yet none of which really feel like they have no chance to win the race.
Advertisement
(Odds courtesy of Bookmaker.eu)
1: Twisted Tom (20/1) – The one thing we know about Twisted Tom is that he’s a winner. He’s won four times in six races, including in three straight. In fact, he’s one of just two horses in this field that won his last race, or even won a race in the month of May.
2: Tapwrit (6/1) – Tapit has become one of the best sires in the world for distance racers, and that’s why Tapwrit is becoming one of the most bet-upon colts early in the proceedings for the Belmont Stakes.
3: Gormley (8/1) – We were a little surprised that Gormley only finished ninth at the Kentucky Derby, but he had a really bad run. The fact that trainer John Shirreffs has committed to bringing Gormley to the Belmont and has once again put Victor Espinoza on his back, tells us that he thinks this is a combination that could prove to be good.
4: J Boys Echo (15/1) – A deep closer by nature, J Boys Echo should be better served to run at distance. Putting jockey Robby Albarado back onboard should help, knowing that he’s the only jockey who has ever ridden this pony to victory.
5: Hollywood Handsome (30/1) – Tapit is also in the bloodlines of Hollywood Handsome, but he’s two generations down the line. That’s the difference between Hollywood Handsome at 30 to 1 and Tapwrit at 6 to 1.
6: Lookin At Lee (5/1) – Lookin At Lee is the only colt that is going to run in all three legs of the Triple Crown. He’s got a shot to be a part of the superfecta for a third straight race, something that should be commended if he can pull it off.
7: Irish War Cry (7/2) – It’s strange to think that the price on Irish War Cry isn’t all that different at the Belmont Stakes than it was at the Kentucky Derby. There’s a good chance he’ll go off as the favorite, but he’s going to have some competition at the top as he did at the Run for the Roses. The difference? He’s got a much better starting gate here at Belmont Park.
8: Senior Investment (12/1) – Channing Hill is probably the most unknown of the jockeys riding in the Belmont Stakes. He rode a 32 to 1 longshot at the Preakness, guiding Senior Investment up to third in the very end. Senior Investment is still a longshot at the Belmont, but he’s at least sent a message that he has a chance in this field.
9: Meantime (15/1) – Meantime has only won a maiden in his career, but he was second best at the Peter Pan a few weeks ago. Generally, horses who run well at the Peter Pan Stakes end up performing admirably at the Belmont.
10: Multiplier (15/1) – The Illinois Derby winner finished a disappointing sixth at the Preakness Stakes. He’s putting blinkers on for the Belmont, and if he can cover the distance, he could be a hit.
11: Epicharis (4/1) – The biggest question mark in the field. By all accounts, Epicharis should be one of the best three-year olds in the world. But he has never raced in America and has been quarantined for weeks. His last race was at the UAE Derby, and that long of a layoff usually doesn’t play well with any ponies, particularly not those who have traveled around the world.
12: Patch (12/1) – Patch was one of the most bet-upon horses at the Kentucky Derby, but he finished 14th and was never a factor. The one-eyed pony figures to again be a feel-good story at the Belmont Stakes.
Check out the latest Belmont Stakes betting odds.
