TDN's 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's 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. This TDN preview delves into the key horses, analyzes their strengths and weaknesses, and offers predictions for Saturday's race at Belmont Park.

The Contenders: A Closer Look

Several horses emerge as serious contenders for the Belmont Stakes, each boasting a unique profile and racing history. While the Preakness winner, National Treasure, will be absent, the Belmont Stakes often attracts horses who thrive on the longer distance.

• Arcangelo: This colt, trained by Jena Antonucci, has shown impressive stamina and a powerful closing kick. His win in the Peter Pan Stakes solidified his status as a top contender. Key strength: Exceptional late speed and ability to handle the distance. Key weakness: May need a fast pace to set up his late run.

• Tapit Trice: Todd Pletcher's charge boasts a strong pedigree and consistent performances. His second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby demonstrated his competitiveness at the highest level. Key strength: Versatility and proven ability over various distances. Key weakness: May struggle against horses with superior late speed.

• Hit Show: This consistent performer has shown grit and determination throughout his career. A strong showing in the Kentucky Derby makes him a dark horse to watch. Key strength: Resilience and experience. Key weakness: May need a perfectly-timed race to contend.

• Angel of Empire: While he didn't run in the Preakness, Angel of Empire's impressive win in the Arkansas Derby places him firmly in the conversation. His stamina is a significant asset for the longer Belmont distance. Key strength: Exceptional stamina and consistent performance. Key weakness: His preference for a leading pace may be a disadvantage depending on the race flow.

TDN's Predictions:

Predicting the Belmont Stakes is notoriously difficult, given the extended distance and the potential for upsets. However, based on their performances and capabilities, our analysis suggests the following:

1. Arcangelo: We see Arcangelo as the favorite. His late speed and stamina make him perfectly suited for the mile-and-a-half distance of the Belmont. The pace of the race will be crucial for him, but with a favorable setup, he's our top pick.

2. Angel of Empire: Angel of Empire’s stamina and consistent form make him a strong challenger. He poses a significant threat to Arcangelo, particularly if the pace is slower than anticipated.

3. Tapit Trice: While potentially lacking the explosive closing speed of the top two, Tapit Trice’s consistency and versatility give him a good chance of a solid finish.

Beyond the Top Three:

While these three horses appear to be the front-runners, the Belmont Stakes has a history of surprising results. Horses like Hit Show and others in the field possess the potential to upset the favorites if conditions are right.

Conclusion:

The 156th Belmont Stakes promises an exciting and unpredictable race. The longer distance favors horses with stamina, but strategic racing and luck will also play significant roles. We encourage you to follow the race closely and enjoy the thrill of this classic horse race. Remember to gamble responsibly.

Keywords: Belmont Stakes, Belmont Stakes 2024, Triple Crown, Horse Racing, Arcangelo, Tapit Trice, Angel of Empire, Hit Show, Horse Racing Predictions, Belmont Park, Thoroughbred Racing, Jena Antonucci, Todd Pletcher.