TDN Belmont Stakes Preview: Contenders And Predictions For The 156th Run

James

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Post on Jun 06, 2025

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TDN Belmont Stakes Preview: Contenders and Predictions for the 156th Run

The dust has settled after the Preakness Stakes, and all eyes are now on the final jewel of the Triple Crown: the Belmont Stakes. This year's 156th running promises a thrilling spectacle, with a diverse field of contenders vying for the coveted title. Let's delve into a preview of the key horses and offer some predictions for this prestigious race.

The Contenders: A Closer Look

This year's Belmont Stakes field boasts a compelling mix of horses with varying strengths and styles. While the Kentucky Derby winner, Mage, will be absent, several prominent horses are ready to challenge for victory. Here are some of the key contenders:

• National Treasure: This Bob Baffert trainee has consistently shown impressive speed and stamina, making him a serious threat. His performance in the Preakness, where he finished second, indicates his readiness for the longer Belmont distance. His strong closing kick will be crucial on the challenging Belmont Park track.

• Tapit Trice: This Todd Pletcher-trained colt possesses a powerful stride and has proven himself a consistent performer. His tactical versatility allows him to adapt to various racing scenarios, a valuable asset in a field as competitive as the Belmont Stakes. His pedigree also suggests he'll relish the longer distance.

• Angel of Empire: Another strong contender, Angel of Empire boasts a formidable record and excellent stamina. He’s known for his powerful late run, and the Belmont's longer distance could be perfectly suited to his running style. His consistency makes him a solid bet.

• Hit Show: This talented colt has displayed an impressive turn of foot and could be a dark horse in the race. While he might not have the same pedigree as some of the other contenders, his undeniable talent makes him a horse to watch closely. His performance in the lead-up to the Belmont will be crucial to assessing his chances.

Belmont Stakes Predictions:

Predicting the outcome of the Belmont Stakes is always a challenging task, given the unpredictable nature of horse racing. However, based on the form and potential of the horses mentioned above, here are some predictions:

• Top Contender: National Treasure. His consistent performance, coupled with his experience and closing speed, makes him our top pick for the 156th Belmont Stakes. The longer distance plays to his strengths.

• Place: Tapit Trice. His tactical versatility and consistent form make him a strong contender for a place finish. He's likely to provide a strong challenge to the winner.

• Show: Angel of Empire. While potentially lacking the sheer closing speed of the top two contenders, Angel of Empire's stamina and powerful finish make him a safe bet for a show finish.

Factors to Consider:

Beyond the individual horses, several factors will influence the race outcome:

• Track Conditions: The Belmont Park track condition on race day will play a significant role. A fast track will favor speed horses, while a wet track could benefit those with superior stamina.
• Pace of the Race: The early pace of the race will heavily influence the outcome. A fast early pace could tire out some horses, opening the door for late closers to surge ahead.
• Jockey Performance: The skill and experience of the jockeys are crucial. A clever riding strategy can significantly impact a horse's performance.

Conclusion:

The 156th Belmont Stakes promises to be an exciting and unpredictable race. While National Treasure appears to have the edge based on current form, the other contenders possess the potential to upset the odds. Be sure to follow the lead-up to the race closely for the latest updates and form analysis. We eagerly anticipate the thrill of this classic race!

Call to Action: Share your predictions for the Belmont Stakes using #BelmontStakes2024 on social media! Let's discuss who you think will win!