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Best Bets for the 2023 Belmont Stakes

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The final leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown takes place Saturday afternoon in Elmont, New York, as the running of the 155th Belmont Stakes commences.

This year’s nine-horse field is loaded with big names, including the Preakness Stakes winner, National Treasure. But this race also features the morning odds favorite of the Kentucky Derby, Forte, the closing favorite in the Derby, Angel of Empire, and a couple of other familiar names.

Who will take home the Belmont Stakes? Here are my best bets for Saturday’s race.

Best Bet to Win the 2023 Belmont Stakes 

While it’s a short field, the 2023 Belmont Stakes features a high-quality field with some big names and proven winners. So let’s make the decision a bit easier by tossing a few of the runners.

(1) Tapit Shoes feels like a horse that’ll be used as a rabbit to challenge the early pace and set up one of Brad Cox’s other two horses for the stretch run. (2) Tapit Trice has the closing ability to be a factor, but his tendency to start slow could cost him in this lengthy race. (5) Il Miracolo will certainly go off as the longest shot in this race, and for good reason. His Equibase Speed Figures just don’t stack up to this field. I’m also going to toss (4) National Treasure. Betting against a Bob Baffert-trained horse is a terrifying proposition. But I find it hard to imagine him having enough gas in the tank down the stretch given against fresher horses that are just as talented, if not better. It doesn’t help that National Treasure runs best as a pacesetter, which could exacerbate those stamina concerns. And while I think (7) Hit Show could wind up hitting the board, I don’t think he has enough to truly contend for victory.

As for a win bet, I will have two choices, Forte and Arcangelo. Forte has already built an impressive resume to this point and should be a factor from start to finish. Arcangelo is generating buzz during race week and rightfully so, as he recently won a 1 1/8-long Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park. Angel of Empire is another horse I’ll be considering in my exotics, but I worry the closer won’t quite be able to overtake the leaders down the stretch.

Best bets to win: Forte, Arcangelo

Best trifecta bet: Forte-Arcangelo-Angel of Empire

2023 Belmont Stakes Betting Advice

2023 Belmont Stakes Horse Previews, Picks & Predictions

Check out our previews and profiles for every horse competing in the 2023 Belmont Stakes and our expert analysis on the best best for the 155 Run for the Carnations.


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