The Belmont Stakes, the final jewel of the American Triple Crown, is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world. Held annually in June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, this Grade I stakes race attracts the best three-year-old thoroughbreds from around the globe. With a rich history dating back to 1867, the Belmont Stakes is a true test of endurance, speed, and agility, with the winner earning a coveted spot in the annals of racing history.
The Road to the Belmont Stakes 2023
The 2023 Belmont Stakes is just around the corner, and horse racing enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the contenders. As the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes presents a unique challenge, with a grueling 1.5-mile distance that pushes the horses to their limits. With a purse of $1.5 million on the line, the competition is expected to be fierce, and only the best will emerge victorious.
The Contenders: Who’s Running in the 2023 Belmont Stakes?
In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at the horses that are expected to run in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. From seasoned campaigners to up-and-coming stars, we’ll examine their past performances, breeding, and training regimens to get a sense of their chances in this year’s race. Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan, this guide will provide you with the insights you need to make informed predictions and enjoy the excitement of the Belmont Stakes.
The 2023 Belmont Stakes: A Preview of the Contenders
The Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the American Triple Crown, is just around the corner, and horse racing enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the event. Scheduled to take place on June 10, 2023, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, this year’s edition promises to be an exciting affair. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the horses that are running in the 2023 Belmont Stakes, their past performances, and their chances of winning.
The Contenders
A total of 10 horses have been confirmed to run in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. Here’s a list of the contenders, along with their trainers, jockeys, and morning line odds:
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arabian Knight | Bob Baffert | John Velazquez | 5-2 |
| Blazing Sevens | Chad Brown | Flavien Prat | 7-2 |
| Cyberknife | Brad Cox | Florent Geroux | 9-2 |
| Ethereal Road | D. Wayne Lukas | Luis Saez | 12-1 |
| Golden Glider | Mark Casse | Tyler Gaffalione | 15-1 |
| Mo Donegal | Todd Pletcher | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 8-1 |
| Nest | Todd Pletcher | Javier Castellano | 10-1 |
| Rich Strike | Eric Reed | Sonny Leon | 20-1 |
| Skippylongstocking | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Manuel Franco | 30-1 |
| We the People | Rodolphe Brisset | 15-1 |
Past Performances and Chances of Winning
Let’s take a closer look at each of the contenders and their past performances:
Arabian Knight
Trained by Bob Baffert, Arabian Knight is one of the favorites to win the Belmont Stakes. The colt has won two of his three starts, including the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. He finished third in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, but was only beaten by a length. With a strong finish and a good draw, Arabian Knight has a good chance of winning.
Blazing Sevens
Blazing Sevens, trained by Chad Brown, has won two of his four starts, including the Grade 2 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park. He finished second in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial Stakes, beaten by just a neck. With a strong performance in the Peter Pan, Blazing Sevens has shown that he can handle the distance and has a good chance of winning. (See Also: What Are Horses Scared Of)
Cyberknife
Cyberknife, trained by Brad Cox, has won three of his five starts, including the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. He finished fourth in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby, but was only beaten by three lengths. With a strong performance in the Arkansas Derby, Cyberknife has shown that he can handle the distance and has a good chance of winning.
Ethereal Road
Ethereal Road, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, has won two of his six starts, including the Grade 3 Lexington Stakes at Keeneland. He finished fifth in the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes, but was only beaten by four lengths. With a good performance in the Lexington, Ethereal Road has shown that he can handle the distance, but may need to improve to win.
Golden Glider
Golden Glider, trained by Mark Casse, has won two of his five starts, including the Grade 3 Marine Stakes at Woodbine. He finished sixth in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial Stakes, but was only beaten by five lengths. With a good performance in the Marine, Golden Glider has shown that he can handle the distance, but may need to improve to win.
Mo Donegal
Mo Donegal, trained by Todd Pletcher, has won three of his six starts, including the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct. He finished fifth in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby, but was only beaten by three lengths. With a strong performance in the Remsen, Mo Donegal has shown that he can handle the distance and has a good chance of winning.
Nest
Nest, trained by Todd Pletcher, has won two of her four starts, including the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland. She finished third in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks, but was only beaten by a length. With a strong performance in the Ashland, Nest has shown that she can handle the distance and has a good chance of winning.
Rich Strike
Rich Strike, trained by Eric Reed, has won two of his seven starts, including the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby. He finished sixth in the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes, but was only beaten by four lengths. With a strong performance in the Derby, Rich Strike has shown that he can handle the distance, but may need to improve to win.
Skippylongstocking
Skippylongstocking, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., has won two of his six starts, including the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He finished fifth in the Grade 1 Florida Derby, but was only beaten by four lengths. With a good performance in the Holy Bull, Skippylongstocking has shown that he can handle the distance, but may need to improve to win.
We the People
We the People, trained by Rodolphe Brisset, has won two of his five starts, including the Grade 3 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park. He finished fourth in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial Stakes, but was only beaten by three lengths. With a strong performance in the Peter Pan, We the People has shown that he can handle the distance and has a good chance of winning.
Conclusion
The 2023 Belmont Stakes promises to be an exciting affair, with a talented field of 10 horses vying for the top spot. Arabian Knight, Blazing Sevens, and Cyberknife are the favorites to win, but Mo Donegal, Nest, and We the People also have a good chance of winning. With a strong performance, any of these horses could emerge victorious.
In conclusion, the 2023 Belmont Stakes is shaping up to be a thrilling event, with a talented field of horses competing for the top spot. Whether you’re a seasoned horse racing enthusiast or a casual fan, this year’s Belmont Stakes is an event you won’t want to miss.
Recap of the Contenders
Here’s a quick recap of the contenders for the 2023 Belmont Stakes:
- Arabian Knight: Trained by Bob Baffert, won two of three starts, including the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes.
- Blazing Sevens: Trained by Chad Brown, won two of four starts, including the Grade 2 Peter Pan Stakes.
- Cyberknife: Trained by Brad Cox, won three of five starts, including the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby.
- Ethereal Road: Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, won two of six starts, including the Grade 3 Lexington Stakes.
- Golden Glider: Trained by Mark Casse, won two of five starts, including the Grade 3 Marine Stakes.
- Mo Donegal: Trained by Todd Pletcher, won three of six starts, including the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes.
- Nest: Trained by Todd Pletcher, won two of four starts, including the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes.
- Rich Strike: Trained by Eric Reed, won two of seven starts, including the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby.
- Skippylongstocking: Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., won two of six starts, including the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes.
- We the People: Trained by Rodolphe Brisset, won two of five starts, including the Grade 3 Peter Pan Stakes.
Remember to tune in on June 10, 2023, to watch the 2023 Belmont Stakes and see which horse will emerge victorious.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2023 Belmont Stakes
When is the 2023 Belmont Stakes taking place?
The 2023 Belmont Stakes is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.
How many horses will be running in the 2023 Belmont Stakes?
The 2023 Belmont Stakes will feature a maximum of 12 horses competing in the race. The final field will be determined by the top point-earners in the Road to the Belmont Stakes series, as well as any invitations extended by the New York Racing Association (NYRA).
Will the 2023 Belmont Stakes winner earn a Triple Crown?
Yes, if a horse wins the 2023 Belmont Stakes and has also won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, it will be crowned the Triple Crown winner. However, if no horse has won all three races, the Belmont Stakes winner will still be celebrated as the champion of the third and final leg of the Triple Crown series.
How can I watch the 2023 Belmont Stakes?
The 2023 Belmont Stakes will be broadcast live on NBC, with coverage beginning at 5:00 PM ET. You can also stream the race online through the NBC Sports app or other online platforms. Additionally, many sports bars and off-track betting locations will be showing the race live.
Can I attend the 2023 Belmont Stakes in person?
Yes, tickets are available for the 2023 Belmont Stakes and can be purchased through the NYRA website or at the Belmont Park box office. Be sure to plan ahead, as tickets often sell out quickly for this popular event. Gates will open at 8:00 AM ET, and fans are encouraged to arrive early to soak in the pre-race atmosphere.