TDN's Belmont Stakes Preview: Assessing The Contenders At Belmont Park

James

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Post on Jun 06, 2025

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TDN's Belmont Stakes Preview: Assessing the Contenders at Belmont Park

The Belmont Stakes, the final jewel in the Triple Crown, is upon us, and this year's race promises a thrilling showdown at Belmont Park. With the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes behind us, a new field of contenders emerges, ready to battle it out for the prestigious title. This preview from The Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN) delves into the key horses to watch, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and chances of victory in this classic 1 ½-mile test of stamina.

Analyzing the Top Contenders:

Several horses have emerged as frontrunners, each with a compelling narrative and unique strengths. Let's dissect their prospects:

• Arcangelo: Coming off a dominant victory in the Peter Pan Stakes, Arcangelo presents a formidable challenge. His impressive closing speed and proven ability to handle longer distances make him a serious contender. His pedigree, boasting the legendary sire Arrogate, further enhances his potential. However, the step up in class to the Belmont Stakes will be a significant test. Can he maintain his winning form against a tougher field?

• Tapit Trice: A consistent performer throughout his campaign, Tapit Trice boasts a strong pedigree and consistent performances. While he didn't win the Kentucky Derby, his solid showing indicates his potential for a strong finish in the Belmont. His stamina should be well-suited to the longer distance, but his ability to handle the pressure of a high-stakes race like the Belmont remains to be seen.

• National Treasure: This Bob Baffert trainee has shown flashes of brilliance and possesses a powerful late kick. While his performance in the Kentucky Derby was somewhat underwhelming, his previous victories suggest he could be a dark horse contender. The extended distance of the Belmont could be perfectly suited to unleash his full potential. However, he needs to overcome his inconsistent racing pattern.

• Angel of Empire: Another prominent contender, Angel of Empire offers a compelling blend of speed and stamina. His consistent performance throughout his career speaks volumes about his potential. His experience and ability to handle different track conditions could give him an edge. However, he'll need to improve on his Kentucky Derby performance to be considered a serious winner.

Key Factors to Consider:

Several factors will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the Belmont Stakes:

• The 1 ½-mile distance: This grueling distance separates the true champions from the also-rans. Stamina and the ability to pace oneself effectively are paramount.
• Track conditions: The condition of the Belmont Park track on race day will significantly impact the horses' performance. A fast track might favor speed horses, while a muddy track could favor those with greater stamina.
• Post position: A favorable post position can make a significant difference, particularly in a race as competitive as the Belmont Stakes. A good draw can give a horse a clear running path and avoid traffic jams.

Predictions and Conclusion:

Predicting the winner of the Belmont Stakes is always a challenge, but based on the analysis above, Arcangelo and Tapit Trice appear to be the top contenders. However, don't count out the dark horses. The Belmont Stakes is known for its surprises, and this year's race promises to be no exception. Follow TDN for continued coverage and updates leading up to and following the race.

Call to Action: Stay tuned to The Thoroughbred Daily News for in-depth analysis and live coverage of the Belmont Stakes! [Link to TDN Website]

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