COVID-19 has affected everything and horse racing is definitely no different. What was once the last race of the Triple Crown is now the first: the 152nd Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 20 at 5:42 p.m. ET.

Despite Belmont Stakes betting up and running, there are a few differences that COVID has forced on horse racing fans.

  • It will be Race #10 at Belmont Park
  • There will be no spectators at Belmont Park.
  • The race will only be 1 1/8 miles this year not 1 1/2 miles due to the reordered schedule.
  • The Kentucky Derby will now take place on September 5 and the Preakness Stakes will take place on October 3rd.
  • This is the first time since 1931 the Triple Crown will be run in its traditional order.
  • There are 10 horses in the draw held on Wednesday.

Below is a preview of the 10 horses involved in Belmont Stakes betting this weekend.

Post 1: Tap to Win

Jockey: John Velazquez

Trainer: Mark Casse

Odds: +650

A pace setting horse that is expected to get off to a fast start. Consdering this is a shortened race this might help Tap To Win pull off an underdog victory.

Post 2: Sole Volante

Jockey: Luca Panici

Trainer: Patrick Biancone

Odds: +700

If you’re looking for a horse that finishes better than he starts, Sole Volante is the horse to bet on. Couple of things bettors should keep in mind is that the course is shorter, and it’ll be just nine days between races.

Post 3: Max Player

Jockey: Joel Rosario

Trainer: Linda Rice

Odds: +2000

Another closer, but not nearly as affected as Sole Volante. Max Player hasn’t raced since February 1 and could affect his performance come Saturday.

Post 4: Modernist

Jockey: Junior Alvarado

Trailer: Bill Mott

Odds: +2500

It’d be surprising if Modernist with his underdog odds has a chance to pull off the Belmont upset. But if the leaders of the raise tire out expect him to try and take advantage at the end.

Post 5: Farmington Road

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Odds: +2000

Another closer, it is said in order to maximize his ability his opponents need to be fast as well. That is not the case at Belmont making his chances difficult.

Post 6: Fore Left

Jockey: Jose Ortiz

Trainer: Doug O’Neill

Odds:  +3300

Like Tap It To Win, Fore Left will burst out of the gates at Belmont Park. Although the odds don’t paint a pretty picture, a shorter, dirt track plays to Fore Left’s strengths.

Post 7: Jungle Runner

Jockey: Reylu Gutierrez

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Odds:  +5000

In his three 2020 races Jungle Runner last lost by a combined 63 1/4 lengths. His odds are highest for a reason.

Post 8: Tiz the Law

Jockey: Manny Franco

Trainer: Barclay Tagg

Odds: -150

The overwhelming favorite to take the Belmont Stakes, Tiz the Law has already won a Grade 1 stakes race at Belmont back in October. Tiz the Law should be looked at for Triple Crown odds as well.

Post 9: Dr. Post

Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Odds: +750

Dr. Post is another horse that’ll be another one of the contenders chasing Tiz the Law. He has won both races as a three-year-old and the smaller track makes him a threat.

Post 10: Pneumatic

Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr.

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Odds: +2000

Expect Pneumatic to be aggressive out the gate but could fizzle down the stretch.

Get your odds on the 2020 Belmont Stakes And for more info on how to bet on the Belmont Stakes check out our Belmont Stakes Betting Guide.