The final Triple Crown race of the season 2022 Belmont Stakes takes place Saturday at Belmont Park, as a field of eight competes in the 154th “Test of Champions.” It’s a grueling mile-and-a-half, with a purse of $1.5 million.
It’s the return of 80-1 Kentucky Derby hero Rich Strike, who didn’t race in the Preakness and is back to the races for the first time since his Twin Spires’ stunner.
However, bettors hoping to get nearly those Rich Strike odds are going to be extremely disappointed here. Opening at odds of 7-2, he’s the third choice on the morning line to win the Belmont.
Could the Eric Reed-trained 3-year-old, who passed 19 rivals in Louisville, win a second Triple Crown race of the season?
Belmont Stakes Rich Strike Eyeing an Historic Double
Fair to say many among the Belmont Stakes observers are mainly intrigued by Rich Strike’s return to the races.
He was the second-longest-price winner in the history of the Kentucky Derby, with Rich Strike returning $163.60 getting a flawless ride by Sonny Leon. He will probably be around the 5-1 range to win the Belmont.
However, despite its distance, the Belmont Stakes rarely favors deep closers. That wouldn’t be the first trend that’s been broken.
It’s unfathomable to describe just out of the blue was Ricn Strike’s run at the Derby, as he won just once in seven previous starts.
interest is remaining high to see whether (or not, maybe) his win in Kentucky was a fluke (or not, maybe), and that only adds appeal to the mainstream audience out there.
Rich Strike, a son of Keen Ice, drew post position No. 4.
Can Mo Donegal Give Pletcher a Fourth?
Todd Pletcher has won the Belmont Stakes on three previous occasions, with two very good shots of adding a fourth. Mo Donegal will likely be his better of two chances, at least according to the early line of the race. Mo Donegal returns after his strong effort to finish fifth in the Derby.
That was a fine display by the horse, an unlucky draw (post 1), but still managing to finish just over three lengths behind the winner.
There are certainly positives to support his chances, including his G2 Wood Memorial (Aqueduct) win over Preakness Stakes winner Early Voting back in April. He is also bred to stay the distance of the Belmont.
Mo Donegal, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., is listed as the 5-2 eaty second choice from post No. 6.
Belmont Stakes We the People Adds Intrigue
We The People is among the more intriguing entrants in the race. Trained by Frenchman Rodolphe Brisset, it was a blowout performance last time out that earned the raves. We the People won the G3 Peter Pan at Belmont by a stop-the-bleeding 10½ lengths.
Off that run, he was installed as the 2-1 morning-line favorite from the rail. Standout French-born jockey Flavien Prat, winner of last season’s Preakness aboard Rombauer, has the assignment.
Having some concerns, including his run in the G1 Arkansas Derby earlier this season at Oaklawn. In that first start in Grade 1 company, he was outclassed, eventually finishing over 13 lengths behind Cyberknife. However, We the People’s Belmont Park form should be extremely encouraging to his supporters.
A Girls’ Nest-ing Place?
Perhaps the value play for the Belmont Stakes could come in the form of Pletcher’s second runner. She’s a filly by the name of Nest.
Nest will be looking to become the third filly winner of the Belmont Stakes, and the first since the Pletcher-trained great lass Rags to Riches in 2007. Nest will be the 24th filly to compete in the Belmont.
Nest’s past performances are encouraging. She has won four-of-six starts in her career, including the victories in the G2 Demoiselle and G1 Ashland.
When it comes to the Belmont, she seemed to be crying out for more distance in the G1 Kentucky Oaks (Churchill) last out
Nest breaks from post No. 3, with her morning line at 8-1. Jose Ortiz is her jockey.
The Belmont Stakes goes as the 111th race, with post time scheduled at 6:44 p.m. ET.
Here’s the field…
Post position, horse, trainer, jockey, morning-line odds by BetUs
| Horse, Trainer, Jockey | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1.We the People, Rodolphe Brisset, Flavien Prat | 2-1 |
| 2.Skippylongstocking, Saffie Joseph Jr., Manny Franco | 20-1 |
| 3.Nest, Todd Pletcher, Jose Ortiz | 8-1 |
| 4.Rich Strike, Eric Reed, Sonny Leon | 7-2 |
| 5.Creative Minister, Kenny McPeek, Brian Hernandez Jr. | 6-1 |
| 6.Mo Donegal, Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz Jr. | 5-2 |
| 7.Golden Glider, Mark Casse, Dylan Davis | 20-1 |
| 8.Barber Road, John Ortiz, Joel Rosario | 10-1 |
As per current horse racing odds, there has been some movement with the early wagering
Friday’s $750,000 New York Stakes, for 3-year-old fillies at a mile-and-a-quarters, is quite competitive, according to horse racing odds.
