2016 Belmont Stakes Post Positions, Odds & Analysis
The field for the 148th Belmont Stakes is set, and as expected the morning line odds maker has made Exaggerator the 9 to 5 favorite to go the grueling distance as the winner of 1 1/2 miles race.
Belmont Park is unlike other tracks in America simply because the oval is massive with wide sweeping turns making it a challenge for even the most well prepared horses and experienced jockeys to successfully navigate.
Perhaps Kent Desormeaux who will be aboard Exaggerator on Saturday said it best in this line from an ESPN article written by Marcus Hersh of the Daily Racing Form who gives a historical account of the pace of the Belmont Stakes over the years.
“In this race, when you think it’s time to go, it’s not,” Desormeaux said.
It’s a good read for anyone who wants to understand what puts “closers closer” in the Belmont. And the 2016 Belmont Stakes is chock full of closing types and not all of them will carry a rider who knows when it’s go time.
Free Belmont Picks
As I’ve said before, it’s never been my practice to make my picks before post time. And I love trying to beat the chalk because I like to bet a little to win a lot — not just bet to cash a ticket. But given the fact that you guys are looking to gather as much information and expert opinions that will help you make your bets, I have to go out on a limb and handicap as if it is post time, so here are my free Belmont Picks:
Selections: 2 – 11 – 10 – 4
2016 Belmont Stakes Field
[table id=51 /]
