Belmont Stakes 2023 Odds, Horses, Jockeys and Full Betting Guide
An overview of how the 155th Belmont Stakes unfolded:
1. Carpet Shoes (20-1)
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Coach: Brad Cox
Current form: A victory speaks volumes. However, he was beaten by a header by Red Route One in a stake at Oaklawn after leading last.
Is it worth it : The longest shot of three running for coach Brad Cox. Can act as a rabbit for Cox stretch runners. Engage National Treasure in the bend of the pavilion but give way. A tired eighth.
2. Carpet Trice (3-1)
Jockey: Luis Saez
Coach: Todd Plecher
Current form: The notoriously slow starter broke the last of 18 in the Derby before heading home with a too-small, too-late seventh. I’ve risen to win all four previous starts, including the Tampa Bay Derby and the Bluegrass Stakes.
Is it worth it : Our Derby pick took away the middle gem and should benefit from the longer, traffic-free Belmont. Clean trip. No excuses. Second best.
3. Arcangelo (8-1)
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Coach: Jena Antonucci
Current form: Well prepared. He won two in a row and secured a win at Belmont Oval taking the Peter Pan by a hard-fought header.
Is it worth it : Few have successfully used the Peter Pan as a springboard to a Belmont victory. Tonalist (2014) was the latest. Six of the nine entries are doing their best late. Not the best choice. Sixth.
4. National Treasure (5-1)
Jockey: John Velasquez
Coach: Bob Baffert
Current form: Supported in a paceless Preakness, escaped with lukewarm splits and held on under energy-efficient rider John Velazquez for his first victory since his W debut five starts back.
Is it worth it : Crawled a half mile from :48.4 to Pimlico and pushed back a thin field (other than Mage). Shakes off El Miracolo and Tapit Shoes but finishes third.
5. The Miracle (30-1)
Jockey: Marcos Meneses
Coach: Antonio Sano
Current form: Wiring an optional claim field to Gulfstream. It was his second win in 10 starts, both won by a mile. Well behind Forte in the Florida Derby.
Is it worth it : Completed the trail both times attempted 1¹/₈ miles. Truly a Miracolo if he finishes in the top three. Last of nine.
6. Strong (5-2)
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Coach: Todd Plecher
Current form: Had six wins in seven starts when he came out of the clouds to pass Mage and win the Florida Derby. And then… the Kentucky Derby morning line favorite was scratched with a “bruised foot.”
A Worthwhile Bet: Owner Mike Repole: “You can only be a 3-year-old once on the first Saturday in May.” Is it fresh or rusty after the long layoff? We think it rumbles in the stretch. Winner.
7. Press View (10-1)
Jockey: Manuel Franco
Coach: Brad Cox
Current form: Was a fast closing second in the Wood Memorial, then a flat fifth in the longer Run for the Roses.
Is it worth it : It looked like the show would be a shot gaining more ground, but after making an in-between move, he flattened out. Not sure he wants 12 stadia. Backpack. Fifth.
8. Angel of the Empire (7-2)
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Coach: Brad Cox
Current form: Impressive winning the Arkansas Derby by over 4 lengths. Fans made him the Kentucky Derby favorite when Forte came out and he finished an energetic third behind Mage.
Is it worth it : The best of the trio formed by Cox will try to be the first student from Pennsylvania to win the Belmont since 1891. This race was held at Morris Park in the Bronx. Yeah, it’s been a while. Maybe next year. Fourth.
9. Red Road One (15-1)
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Coach: Steve Asmussen
Current form: Was five lengths behind Angel of Empire in Arkansas, beat Tapit Shoes in Oaklawn then fourth to National Treasure in the Preakness.
Is it worth it : Closer couldn’t close the gap after the winner fought his way up front. Steve Asmussen thinks Red will enjoy the Route. We have it seventh.
