Introduction to Odds and Top Picks
The 157th Belmont Stakes is set to take place at Saratoga Race Course, with a talented field of eight horses competing for the top prize. Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty and Preakness Stakes winner Journalism are among the top contenders, each with a strong chance of taking home the championship.
The 157th Belmont Stakes
Saturday, June 7
Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
Distance: 1 1/4 Miles
Conditions: 3-year-olds, colts and geldings
Purse: $2 million
Post time: 7:04 p.m. ET
Television: FOX (coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET)
NYRA/Mary Eddy
Pace Prediction
Rodriguez, the Wood Memorial winner, will likely set the pace in the 157th Belmont Stakes.
NYRA/Susie Raisher
Rodriguez and Crudo are the two frontrunners in the field, and it would be shocking not to see them go to the lead almost as soon as the starting gate springs open. What happens over the next 4 furlongs will define who comes out on top at the end of the 10th furlong.
If Rodriguez and Crudo engage in a super-speed duel (think first quarter under 23 seconds, first half under 46 seconds), that sets up extremely well for Sovereignty, Journalism, Hill Road, and Baeza to close strongly, as the front-end pace will likely collapse by the time the field hits the quarter pole.
But if the first quarter and half of the Belmont is run just a little slower (first quarter under 24 seconds, first half under 48 seconds), it still sets up well for Sovereignty and Journalism, but it also gives Rodriguez a chance to take the field start to finish. Crudo, while he’s made big strides in recent races, does not yet have the speed or stamina to go the full 1 1/4 miles distance.
Then there’s the weather. Forecasts indicate there is a 50% chance of showers for Saturday. How much moisture will be in the track? If the Saratoga main track comes up muddy or sloppy by post time of the Belmont, that might give the edge to Sovereignty over Journalism again.
Picks to Play
2. Sovereignty
Skipping the Preakness Stakes was the right call for Sovereignty’s connections after the horse won a grueling Kentucky Derby over a very sloppy Churchill Downs track. He enters the Belmont fresh and ready to go. The question here is whether he can beat Journalism on a fast track, and there’s no reason to think he can’t. He definitely gets the edge on Journalism if the Saratoga track comes up wet.
7. Journalism
How can you not love this horse after his Preakness win when he was squeezed badly in the stretch at Pimlico while six lengths behind, yet still had the guts and determination to not only recover from that traffic trouble but grab the win right on the wire? He is the class of his field, and possibly his generation, both of which will be cemented if he wins the Belmont. The only possible weakness he may have is that this will be his third race in five weeks; he is the only horse in the field to run a traditional Triple Crown schedule. Does he have enough left in the tank?
6. Rodriguez
The bruised hoof that kept him out of the Kentucky Derby has healed, according to his connections, and it might prove to be a blessing in disguise for Rodriguez, who is the only horse in the Belmont field with more than five weeks away from the races. He’ll be fresh and ready to run this Saturday, and he will likely use his natural speed to try and take them from start to finish. If he can stay out of a speed duel with Crudo and set the tempo, Rodriguez stands a good chance of besting the Derby and Preakness winners.
Conclusion
The 157th Belmont Stakes promises to be an exciting event, with several talented horses vying for the top spot. Sovereignty, Journalism, and Rodriguez are among the top contenders, each with a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. The pace of the race and the weather conditions will play a significant role in determining the winner.
FAQs
Q: When is the 157th Belmont Stakes taking place?
A: The 157th Belmont Stakes is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 7, at Saratoga Race Course.
Q: What is the distance of the Belmont Stakes?
A: The Belmont Stakes will be run at a distance of 1 1/4 miles.
Q: Who are the top contenders for the Belmont Stakes?
A: Sovereignty, Journalism, and Rodriguez are among the top contenders for the Belmont Stakes.
Q: What is the purse for the Belmont Stakes?
A: The purse for the Belmont Stakes is $2 million.
