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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.