What is Going Down at the 2022 Belmont Stakes
By Charles Jay
Today is the day of the 2022 Belmont Stakes. Rich Strike shocked the world by rallying down the stretch to win the Kentucky Derby as an 80-1 longshot. And naturally, that brought up questions, among BetOnline customers and others, as to whether that was just a fluke.
Well, was it?
That much will be discovered early Saturday evening, when eight contenders go to post for the 154th running of the Belmont Stakes. Post time is 6:44 PM ET for the “Test of the Champion.”
Read our Review of BetOnline and See Why You Should Have Them in Your Arsenal
Belmont Stakes Betting — Here are the numbers…..
This is the way they line up at the moment for the Belmont. As you’ll notice, Rich Strike is not the favorite, but gets respect:
1 — We the People +275
2 — Skippylongstocking +1800
3 — Nest +750
4 — Rich Strike +550
5 — Creative Minister +700
6 — Mo Donegal +250
7 — Golden Glider +2200
8 — Barber Road +1100
Belmont Stakes Betting — The story is now familiar…
Rich Strike was not even supposed to be in the race, but took advantage of a scratch on the Thursday before the race to slide into the field. And he seemed like no factor, until jockey Sunny Leon maneuvered him expertly around horses and through an opening, passing Epicenter and winning it by three-quarters of a length.
It was a sweet win for trainer Eric Reed, who suffered at his training facility in Lexington six years ago that resulted in the death of dozens of horses.
Belmont Stakes Betting — Skipping the Preakness
It was Reed’s decision to hold Rich Strike out of the Preakness Stakes, so there wouldn’t be any attempt at the Triple Crown. Instead, he’s got a horse who has had five weeks of rest and is “training forwardly,” as the saying goes.
Reed does acknowledge that Rich Strike may not have the ideal running style for the Belmont, but likes the way his horse has looked in his works, and believes that “it’s the perfect time to mature.”
Belmont Stakes Betting — The jockey is pretty green
Sonny Leon, who is out of Venezuela, is experiencing some things for the first time. For example, when won the Kentucky Derby it was the first graded stakes victory in his career as a jockey. And some BetOnline patrons probably know that not only is this his first Belmont Stakes, this was the first week he had ever ridden at Belmont.
Those who observed his performance in the Derby acknowledge his inexperience but also have high praise for the way he guided his horse to the finish.
Belmont Stakes Betting — How it may shake out
What really aided Rich Strike in the Kentucky Derby was the blistering pace that was set. The first quarter-mile was the fastest in the history of the Derby. But it is not likely to be the same this time around, with We the People the only contestant with early speed. The scenario that Reed would find most desirable is to stay off the pace, but not too far, so his horse can mount a late drive.
Belmont Stakes Betting — Does he have the pedigree to do it?
Well, Rich Strike’s grandsire is two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, who has produced many champions, and the sire is Keen Ice, who finished third in the Belmont. So there shouldn’t be a heck of a lot of concern about the distance. Of course, the filly Nest is sired by Curlin, so this is by no means exclusive.
Ultimately its is a tough spot for the Kentucky Derby winner. While it is true that he is one of only three horses in the field to have registered a Beyer Speed Rating of 100 or higher (his was 101), that is considerably higher than the previous high (84), although it should be acknowledged that he has improved that speed rating in each of his last five outings.
Rich Strike might be a horse to use underneath, but we wouldn’t look for him to capture the win.
BetOnline gives you plenty of options when it comes to wagering on the Belmont Stakes……. Not only can you go to the world-class racebook, you can find propositions in the sportsbook that can give you angles you’ll never find at the track…….. There are lots of ways to open an account, because they accept virtually every cryptocurency known to man!
Read our Review of BetOnline and See Why You Should Have Them in Your Arsenal