It’s not the Triple Crown we would have loved to see but there have been big money moves for the Belmont Stakes on Saturday.
Bettors have come for current joint favorite We The People, who has firmed in two points and that’s a sizable move.
Horse racing odds have We The People, Mo Donegal, and Rich Strike right in the market, which is one of the more intriguing editions of the Belmont Stakes.
The People Have Spoken
We The People has firmed in from +450 to +275 for the 2022 Belmont Stakes, which is a massive move.
The 3-year-old son of Constitution didn’t race in the Kentucky Derby or Preakness Stakes, so he’s a newcomer to the Triple Crown, but that hasn’t deterred bettors.
Trained by Rodolphe Brisset, he scored a win in the Peter Pan Stakes but that followed a disappointing effort in the Arkansas Derby behind Cyberknife, Barber Road, and Secret Oath.
We’re not sure if that’s the best form guide for this contest but the rise in distance could help and he has been confidently backed.
Perhaps it’s famous chef Bobby Flay’s recent addition to the ownership group which has sparked the sportsbook move.
“I’m thrilled to join the We the People team,” Flay told Blood Horse. “I have been an admirer of this colt since he started his career at the beginning of this year. I want to thank Lisa and Kenny Troutt of WinStar for giving me this exciting opportunity.
“Winning the 2016 Belmont with Creator will be a moment that me and my family will never forget.”
It always pays to follow strong betting moves and the Belmont Stakes is up for grabs, so we see no reason why We The People couldn’t come out on top.
Pick: We The People +275
Don’t Discount Derby Form
Rich Strike bypassed the Preakness Stakes and a possible chance at the Triple Crown, but hold nothing against the horse.
It was an interesting decision from connections, but it was done with best interests of Rich Strike, so it could pay off in the Belmont Stakes.
The son of Keen Ice was impressive when winning the Kentucky Derby along the inside of race favorite Epicenter, who looked to have the race won halfway down the stretch. It bodes well for Rich Strike, who hit the line best.
Rising in distance shouldn’t be an issue and his trainer is in good spirits ahead of the third leg.
“We backed him up a half a mile today and tomorrow we’ll probably let him have another two-mile gallop,” said trainer Eric Reed. “He’s definitely enjoying himself and came back really perky. He’s appreciating everything.”
Horse racing markets don’t know what to do with Rich Strike. They’re not giving him much respect, despite being a Derby winner, so there is value in the +475 odds.
He could be a significant shortener on race day when casual bettors recognize the name, so it could be best to jump on now.
Pick: Rich Strike +475
Creative Minister Specked
Creative Minister ran third in the Preakness Stakes and now makes the steep rise in distance, but the Ken McPeek-trained colt could come up trumps.
The son of Creative Cause won consecutive races before placing in the Preakness, so his form checks out and he has been specked at each-way odds.
He has been backed into +675 and he has every chance to get back to winning form. Placing behind Early Voting and Epicenter is excellent form and his recent work was encouraging.
“It was uncomplicated,” McPeek said Creative Minister going 50.33 over the main track. “He did it well with no problem. He jumped into the feed tub after the work.”
He’s our third Belmont Stakes pick and he’s good enough to cause a minor upset.
Pick: Creative Minister +675
