There are several indicators suggesting that Mo Donegal is likely to win the $1.5 million, Grade 1 Belmont Stakes on Saturday. Additionally, his stablemate Nest, a filly, is regarded as a promising contender offering great value.
However, Epicenter, who was considered the favorite in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, ended up finishing second in both races.
However, We the People has been designated as the top pick with odds of 2-1 for the third leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. The race will cover a distance of 1.5 miles on the oval track at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.
On May 14, We the People emerged victorious on this track, leading the race from start to finish in a Grade 2 event. Among the eight participants, We the People is recognized as the sole speed horse.
Considered as one of the most influential factors in handicapping, running and winning on the Belmont track holds immense significance for the 3-year-olds competing in this race. It serves as the first test of their abilities at this distance.
Visiting the winner’s circle is something that longshots occasionally do, and the potential betting payoffs can be enormous. In 2011, Ruler on Ice, a 24.75-1 longshot, defied expectations and finished first, leading a group of unknown runners. This unexpected victory resulted in a staggering $74,052 return for those who bet on the $2 superfecta. Surprisingly, in the last 15 Belmont races, 11 favorites have been defeated.
While analysts may struggle to identify such unlikely scenarios, the consensus among most is to avoid placing bets on deep closers – a stance that is justified. From 2010 onwards, only Essential Quality, Sir Winston, and Creator have managed to come from behind in the race and secure a victory.
Shocking Rich Strike, a pure deep closer, had a fortunate advantage in the Derby by chasing an exceptionally fast pace. However, a different approach will be necessary on Saturday as his jockey, Sonny Leon, is unfamiliar with Belmont, also referred to as “Big Sandy” due to its slow dirt track.
The Peter Pan Stakes, or any race with identical conditions, has shown to be beneficial as a steppingstone towards this particular race as well.
In this year’s edition of the race, We the People emerged victorious, surpassing a field of eight horses in the mile-and-an-eighth contest. Golden Glider, who came in second place at a considerable distance, will also be participating in the upcoming Belmont Stakes.
In Pletcher They Trust
Todd Pletcher, a trainer based in New York, has demonstrated a remarkable talent for winning the Belmont Stakes. Over the past decade and a half, several horses from his stable have secured second-place finishes, with an additional three horses claiming third place in the prestigious race.
After finishing in second place in the prestigious Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks, His Nest returns to the track just five weeks later. It’s worth noting that Pletcher, the trainer, has previously guided Rags to Riches to victory in the Kentucky Oaks, where she triumphed over male competitors in the 2007 Belmont.
We the People, with three victories out of four starts, is participating in his inaugural Triple Crown race. During the Arkansas Derby, his sole Grade 1 event, We the People secured a seventh-place position.
Mo Donegal is an exciting contender to keep an eye on due to his extensive experience, particularly in New York. He achieved notable victories in the Remsen (G2) and Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct Race Track, and although he finished fifth in the Kentucky Derby, he chose not to participate in the Preakness. Additionally, he proved his talent by winning his first race at Belmont in October.
How to watch the Belmont Stakes
The 154th edition of the Belmont Stakes in 2022 is set to take place.
When: Saturday, June 11
The location is Belmont Race Track in Elmont, N.Y.
Race Surface: Dirt
The distance of the race is 1.5 miles.
Time of post: 6:49 p.m. Eastern Time
Broadcast: NBC
Streaming: Peacock
Coverage of the pre-race: CNBC from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by NBC from 5 to 7 p.m.
The weather forecast predicts a strong possibility of showers in the afternoon, accompanied by high temperatures reaching approximately 73 degrees.
Belmont draw and odds
On Tuesday, the draw for the Belmont Stakes took place, unveiling the results alongside the corresponding morning line odds.
Post Position
Horse
Morning Line Odds
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
How to bet on the Belmont online in Michigan
Although Michigan’s 15 online sportsbooks do not offer horse racing, there are still alternatives available for those interested in betting on horse races online.
TVG, being the largest online betting app for horse racing in Michigan, presents an enticing new customer offer for the Belmont.
Begin by creating a new account and entering the promo code “RISKFREE”. After making your initial deposit, proceed to place your first bet on a winning outcome for any race at any track. Rest assured that if your bet does not win, you will receive site credit equal to the amount of your bet (up to $200) within 24 hours.
The promotion will only consider the portion of a wager that is for a win/place, win/show, or win/place/show.
In Michigan, residents have the option to engage in online horse race betting through TwinSpires and Xpressbet as well.
In Michigan, it is legal to place bets on horse racing at Northville Downs, the only remaining racetrack in the state. You can find the track at 301 S. Center St. in Northville, and if you wish to make a reservation for the Belmont, simply dial 248-349-1000.