“The Test of the Champion” is the apt moniker for the Belmont Stakes. For this year it has extra special meaning. Justify is primed to become just the second horse since 1978 to win the Triple Crown. American Pharaoh was the last horse to turn the trick just three years ago. Prior to that it was Affirmed in 1978. But Justify has been bet up to a 4/5 Belmont Stakes betting favorite to earn immortality. Winning the Belmont is no easy task. It is the longest race of the Triple Crown season.
2018 Belmont Stakes
Date and Time: Saturday, June 9, 2018, 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Belmont Park, Elmont, New York
2018 Belmont Stakes Betting Odds at SBG: Justify 4/5, Bravazo 5/1, Hofburg 6/1, Vino Rosso 10/1, Tenfold 15/1, Noble Indy 20/1, Blended Citizen 20/1, Gronkowski 20/1, Restoring Hope 30/1, Free Drop Billy 30/1
2018 Belmont Stakes TV Coverage: NBC
Belmont Park
The Belmont Park track will be set for one and a half miles. It is a marathon that has broken many horses seeking the Triple Crown. But Justify has been so dominant that he is looking unstoppable. And the Belmont Stakes betting public agrees. The question entering the race is who has a legitimate shot at the upset? Or for some players who would be best to put on a ticket with Justify?
Justify
Justify is rewriting the playbook for how to win big in thoroughbred racing. At first there was a lot of derision about this three year old colt. Much of the criticism came by the fact Justify never raced as a two year old. But now it looks like holding out was absolute brilliance. With just five starts Justify has won all five races. And has the look of a horse that is fresher than the competition. At the Kentucky Derby that freshness really came to light. In fact, it proved to be an online sportsbook asset.
What happened at Preakness
Churchill Downs saw Justify win going away as the unwavering champion. At the Preakness against horses that skipped the Derby, Justify still prevailed. Many believe that not being worn down as a two year old was the difference. At Pimlico he was able to outlast the challenge of Bravazo. That lack of wear and tear may have been the deciding factor.
Bob Baffert
Another asset for Justify’s Triple Crown bid is Bob Baffert. The Hall of Fame trainer has reached his peak at age 65. Baffert has won every major race in the United States. Including the Belmont Stakes twice. And most relevant is that Baffert trained the last Triple Crown winner. His awards and honors would fill several pages. Having the best trainer in the business puts Justify in perfect position.
D Wayne Lucas
Another Hall of Fame trainer leads the second choice of the betting public. D Wayne Lucas has also won every major American race. And with Bravazo he stands a solid shot at the Belmont Stakes upset. Bravazo finished second at the Preakness.
Hofburg
Hofburg is also a popular choice. He has not run since finishing seventh at the Kentucky Derby. Freshness will be an advantage.
Matchup to Watch
Most of the time its wise to fade the public. The Belmont Stakes betting money will flow freely on Justify. But there is no other horse in the field that stands to have a realistic shot.
Belmont Stakes Betting Odds Picks
Justify to win the Belmont Stakes and Triple Crown!
Belmont Stakes Derby Betting Online Pick: Justify
Check out Justify’s winning run at the Preakness!