Belmont Stakes Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Jun 7)

The final leg of the Triple Crown will be staged at Saratoga this Saturday, as a field of eight will line up in the Belmont Stakes. Previous Triple Crown winners will be involved, as Kentucky Derby victor Sovereignty and Preakness winner Journalism will collide in a rematch.

However, will either of the equine stars add a second victory at the highest level to their name at the Spa this weekend? Find the odds and our Belmont Stakes picks here.

Odds

Belmont Stakes Recent Winners

Belmont Stakes: Event Information

Race Preview

The final leg of the U.S. Triple Crown is set for this weekend, with Saratoga once again playing host to the Belmont Stakes for the second successive year. It could be argued that the Belmont Stakes is the most important race with a view for the future in mind, as it will offer a clear picture to the most talented three-year-old in terms of chances in major upcoming races such as the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The top two in the betting are extremely closely matched on previous form, with Sovereignty getting the better of Journalism in the Kentucky Derby. However, the beaten horse at Churchill Downs has since put that run behind him after winning the Preakness Stakes.

The manner of the Michael McCarthy-trained runner’s performance at Pimlico was eye-catching, and there is every chance that he could get the better of the Derby winner in this smaller field on Saturday.

However, there is more to the Belmont than just the top two in the betting. Bob Baffert-trained Rodriguez was well beaten by Journalism in the G1 Santa Anita Derby, but has since bounced back to form with an excellent win in the G2 Wood Memorial. Arrives at Saratoga well rested and primed for a big run.

Hill Road and Crudo are two improving contenders, with the former landing success in the notable prep, the G3 Peter Pan. Crudo for Todd Pletcher is very interesting on his step up in trip after dominating lesser fields already this season. However, this race could be too hot.

Heart of Honor and Uncaged are likely here to make up the numbers, as neither have the figures to at least indicate that they can be competitive.

Belmont Stakes Picks

Rodriguez is a clear danger, but the fact that he has already been swatted aside by Journalism means that he is easy to overlook. The latter could be the forgotten horse in this field, as with a clearer run, he would have finished ahead of Journalism in the Derby.

The three-year-old has already progressed with every run, and this distance should be perfect for his running style. His tactical speed will ensure that he will never be far away from the pace, and he could deliver somewhat of an upset at Saratoga.