Belmont Stakes Wide Open Race

Without Classic Empire, who would have been near even money, Saturday’s Belmont Stakes is fairly wide-open. Irish War Cry is the slight morning line favorite. But Epicharis and Looking At Lee are right behind. A quick look at the field and morning line odds:

1. Twisted Tom (20-1): Trainer Chad Brown likes this horse a little bit and they have put up $75,000 for him to race, but he appears overmatched.

2. Tapwrit (6-1): It’s never easy to discount a Todd Pletcher horse, but he hasn’t maintained Florida form.

3. Gormley (8-1): The Santa Anita Derby winner tired a bit in the Derby. But on his best day can beat this field. You just never know when that day is going to be.

4. J Boys Echo (15-1): Beyer players like this guy. Has the highest Beyer rating in field, but was set-up well that day.

5. Hollywood Handsome (30-1): A definite longshot who will be at generous odds. Looks to be in over his head.

6. Lookin At Lee: (5-1): Will need a good pace up front to contend. But may not get it with this bunch.

7. Irish War Cry (7-2): At his best he is the class of the field. But backing favorites in the Triple Crown races isn’t a recipe for success. His 101 Beyer rating is the second best in the field.

8. Senior Investment (12-1): A long-striding horse who may like the Belmont surface. May be popular with longshot players.

9. Meantime (15-1): Another one who could be in over his head, but will be up near the front early.

10. Multiplier (15-1): Would appear to be better suited to a shorter distance based on his breeding.

11. Epicharis (4-1): The UAE Derby race is still a bit of an unknown due to quality of field.

12. Patch (12-1): Figures to like distance, but not sure if he is up to the task. Has never run a Beyer in the 90s.