The third and final leg of the Triple Crown is on the horizon. We’re plenty ready after scoring massive cash with Early Voting winning the Preakness Stakes.
At 1 1/2 miles, the Belmont is unique. It’s about endurance. Patience. Pace.
Although we already know we won’t have a Triple Crown winner this year, the 2022 Belmont Stakes race still intrigues. After sitting out of the Preakness Stakes, Rich Strike is trying to validate its cash as an 80-1 shot in the Derby. He is not alone. Familiar faces and fascinating new blood make up a unique field.
Let’s dive in.
Belmont Stakes Winner Odds & Position
All 2022 Belmont morning line odds are provided by one of our favorite Belmont Stakes betting sites: TVG.
- 1. We the People (2/1)
- 2. Skippylongstocking (20/1)
- 3. Nest (8/1)
- 4. Rich Strike (7/2)
- 5. Creative Minister (6/1)
- 6. Mo Donegal (5/2)
- 7. Golden Glider (20/1)
- 8. Barber Road (10/1)
Triple Crown Play of the Day
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Belmont Stakes Contenders
We the People (2/1)
The winner of the Peter Pan, a quality Grade 3 race held in mid-May, will take his talents to the bright lights. While he hasn’t gotten a taste of Triple Crown racing yet, a 103 Beyer Speed Figure in that outing was impressive.
We the People didn’t just win his final prep race; he won by more than 10 lengths.
That race was only 1 1/8 miles, although pretty much every horse in this race will be running at a new distance. So the question is whether We the People will take the lead, as he did last time, or come off the pace.
Tons of talent, although still a bit unknown.
Mo Donegal (7/2)
Rich Strike isn’t the only horse returning from a Kentucky Derby run. Mo Donegal, the early favorite in this race, is also heading back to the track.
Todd Pletcher thinks this horse has a chance to win. After drawing the dreaded 1-post in the Derby, Mo Donegal returned from a rough start to finish fifth. Mo Donegal would have likely had a different day if he had not drawn that spot.
More importantly, the horse appears to want to run further for this marathon of the race. Mo Donegal has closed in essentially every race he has ever run in.
Although the Belmont can be tricky, this horse figures.
Rich Strike (7/2)
The last race needs little introduction. Rich Strike shocked the world in the Kentucky Derby, coming off the pace to win as an 80/1 long shot.
I’ll be honest, I looked back at the form and studied Rich Strike at length. But unfortunately, I still didn’t see a horse that could win the Derby. Although you have to give the horse credit, he shocked the world.
Rich Strike did so by taking to a breakneck pace. This rapid early start ultimately gassed many of the horses, opening up a window for Rich Strike to surge at the end.
He liked the extra distance, although will a more deliberate, slower pace allow the horse to surge like he did last time out? I’m fascinated to see how the horse responds, but I will likely be betting elsewhere.
Belmont Stakes Sleeper Long Shot
Barber Road (10/1)
On the topic of horses wanting extra distance, enter Barber Road.
After finishing sixth in the Kentucky Derby, Barber Road makes its return at the Belmont. And while he hasn’t posted great speed numbers, he has shown a propensity to close over its last four races.
While speed, of course, is crucial, endurance is an essential trait here. Barber Road, while still untested, seems to have it.
More than anything, it’s the commodity you seek in the Belmont. So it certainly feels like the horse will be worth a look.
Belmont Stakes Best Bets
Mo Donegal: Win, Place, & Show
It was a rough ride in the Derby, although this race should be much different. Mo Donegal battled the rail and a slew of other horses last time out, although it should be able to settle in this time around.
The Derby is often a misguided measuring stick, although there were enough glimpses in that race (and before) to back this horse.
It’s a smaller field which makes it tougher to find value. but I’ll gladly take a stab.
Mo Donegal, Barber Road, & Creative Minister: Exacta Box
Again, this isn’t a value race like the Derby. But I’ll take a crack at the exacta with three horses.
I’ve already explained why I like Mo Donegal, and I like the value (and endurance) of Barber Road. I’m including Creative Minister in the mix as well, which ran a fine race in the Preakness.
Belmont Race Notes
- As always, we have to look at the weather. There is a chance of rain in the forecast, which is worth keeping an eye on. Mo Donegal, Nest, and We the People would likely benefit from weather based on breeding.
- Is this it for Rich Strike? We’ll see. The Derby winner could retire after this race, focusing on stud fees. However, I am fascinated to see how the horse runs.
- What will the pace look like? In any horse race, this is where handicapping should begin. But in a race, it can be challenging to figure out this look. Look for We the People to get the lead. Let’s see if it can hold it.
