Belmont Stakes Picks: Winner & Trifecta

Written by Jake Thompson
Saturday, 11 June 2011 19:02

Horse racing picks are ready for the winner and trifecta in the 2011 Belmont Stakes.

The field of 12 horses is set for today’s running of the 2011 Belmont Stakes, and our horse racing picks will help you figure out the winner of the race.  Before we even get started, I want to stress the fact that you need to be wagering on horse racing online at a sportsbook.  Not only can you lock in a price you like and not be subjected to track odds that can fluctuate after your bet, you also will get a bonus on top of the money you plan on wagering to enhance your payout.  It’s just the smart thing to do and you’ll be happy you took my advice if you have the winner ready to go in the Belmont Stakes.

I’ve made two things known this week; that I am tossing Shackleford from consideration and that I believe Monzon could be the underdog spoiler at 30-1 odds.  Shackleford drew the outside post and the distance just doesn’t suit his running style, while Monzon has a ton of potential and is one of only two horses in the Belmont Stakes field (Ruler on Ice is the other) that has won on a sloppy track.  With rain coming down, Monzon is elevated even further and will most definitely be included in our trifecta picks.

We chose Nehro to win the Kentucky Derby, and our investment fell just short as he finished 2nd to Animal Kingdom.  Nehro is now at close to 5/1 odds online and will most definitely be included in our horse racing picks here since the added distance should work to his advantage.  Without a hot pace, the stalkers/pressers will have plenty of success and this horse has proven to be versatile enough to run whatever race needed.

Santiva is at about 15-1, and is another horse we are considering because of his ability to stalk the pace.  I’m a bit concerned about him getting the distance, however, and will leave him out.  Animal Kingdom is the race favorite and definitely a horse with a chance, but ultimately his odds don’t justify his upside and we are going to cross him off the trifecta list in favor of some other runners that have a great chance without the diminished payout.  Master of Hounds is the wise guy pick for the Belmont Stakes because of his ability to carry speed over long distances, but ultimately I just don’t think the invader is good enough to land in the top 3.

Mucho Macho Man will complete our trifecta and I believe his 6th place finish in the Preakness Stakes was the direct result of tossing a shoe during the race.  Adjustments have been made and this horse is a great bet to finish in the top 3 with his footwear intact.  His pedigree suggests that he should be able to handle the 1 ½ mile Belmont distance, and this is another versatile horse that I believe can change up his running style if the pace dictates.

As much as I want to lock in the 35-1 online odds on Monzon to take home the Belmont Stakes, ultimately it is Nehro that is the superior horse in the field.  He’s finished 2nd in 3 straight races, but it has been a case of him having plenty of run left but not enough room.  The Belmont Stakes is the longest race these horses will have competed in, and the added distance should finally get Nehro into the winners circle.

Belmont Stakes Winner:

#6 Nehro (5-1 odds)

Belmont Stakes Trifecta:

#6 Nehro (5-1)

#7 Monzon (35-1)

#10 Mucho Macho Man (12-1)

Belmont Stakes Predicted Order of Finish:

Nehro

Monzon

Mucho Macho Man

Animal Kingdom

Master of Hounds

Santiva

Brilliant Speed

Ruler on Ice

Stay Thirsty

Shackleford

Prime Cut

Isn’t He Perfect