The thing about the Belmont Stakes is that its difficult to win in its own way. First off, 1 1/2 miles is a long way for a horse to run, second there's that backstretch to deal with, much longer than others these horses will run on.
Typically the key to successful horse picking at the Belmont is to look for a horse coming out of the shadows, with long odds, that's won at Belmont before. Unfortunately, this year, there's not really anyone who fits that bill. A second suggestions is to select a horse trained by Barclay Tag, but he's missing from the line-up as well.
For the 141st edition of the Belmont this leaves you with a few options:
1. Take the chalk (Mine that Bird, who's looked like the best horse in the field this year) and exotic it up with another short odds horse (Chocolate Candy is one possibility) and hope to make some money there.
2. Dance with what brung ya. In the Derby I liked Dunkirk and thought he was the class of the field. He had a terrible trip. I still think he's the class of the field and should do better here.
3. Trust D. Wayne. - In the Kentucky Derby, in an interview on TVG D. Wayne Lukas suggested using his horses in an exotic, and then expecting them to make some noise in the Belmont. Papa Clem finished 4th there. In this race Luv Guv is the obvious choice and could be worth a look here.
4. Just watch and enjoy. - The thing I like most about horse racing is the sheer power and speed of the athletes involved. I probably will be watching this event from home this year and will forego my trip to Sam Houston Race Park to cat a bet.
It will still be fun, I'll be drinking Manhattan's at home during the race.
And...go Dunkirk.
