At the beginning of the week, we learned that Midnight Bourbon is skipping the Belmont Stakes. As a two-time beaten favorite from the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, it was determined he needed rest. Midnight Bourbon is likely going to prep for the prestigious Haskell later this summer. Also on the shelf is Hall of Fame and Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert. Since his Kentucky Derby-winning horse Medina Spirit flunked a drug test, Baffert has kept a low profile. With no Triple Crown on the line, the 2021 Belmont Stakes Odds are wide open.
2021 Belmont Stakes – Lineup Update Odds
| Date: |
Saturday, June 5, 2021 |
| Location: |
Belmont Park, Elmont, New York |
| TV Coverage: |
NBC |
| Horse |
Odds |
| Essential Quality |
7/2 |
| Hot Rod Charlie |
9/2 |
| Rombauer |
5/1 |
| Rock Your World |
6/1 |
| Known Agenda |
9/1 |
| Rebel’s Romance |
11/1 |
| Promise Keeper |
15/1 |
| Weyburn |
20/1 |
| Keepmeinmind |
20/1 |
| Brooklyn Strong |
25/1 |
| Bourbonic |
26/1 |
| France Go de Ina |
28/1 |
| Overtook |
30/1 |
| Place Bets |
2021 Belmont Stakes CashBet Odds Overview
Although three top horses from the Kentucky Derby are out, the original Derby chalk is in. Essential Quality was the hottest brand going with the sportsbook odds. But his flop on Derby Day did not go down well. Between now and post-time, the field will be fluid. There could be some additions early next week, as well as some horses that are called home. Belmont Park track officials may send out feelers to stables with quality horses. In sum, a $1.5 million purse will serve as the ultimate attraction.
The Belmont Stakes is known as “The Test of the Champion.” Cause by the fact that it is the longest of the three Triple Crown races at 1.5 miles. Counter to that is the Preakness being the shortest race of the three. Secretariat remains the gold standard of the Belmont Stakes, with a blowout win for the ages in 1973 by 31 lengths.
Another factor to keep in mind with the Belmont Stakes Odds is rest. Specifically, there will be a combination of well-rested horses and those running regularly. Those well-rested horses can serve to ambush the rest of the field. Many horse handicappers get hung up on that rest difference in the field. Further, some horses have run against lesser competition than competitors such as Essential Quality. It follows that the Belmont Stakes is an irresistible handicapping challenge.
Rombauer Earns Respect from Preakness Win
Rombauer is riding high after his win at the Preakness. But that was something of a surprise, and many gamblers aren’t sold on the 12/1 winner. Logic dictates that Rombauer may not be nearly as good at the marathon 1.5-mile Belmont. However, what is being blown off is that he beat the Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit and popular Midnight Bourbon. It was the first graded stakes win in Rombauer’s career. He skipped the Kentucky Derby after finishing third at the Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes. Still, he remains underappreciated by the sharps and squares alike.
A Beaten Favorite with an Essential Quality
Fashion that Essential Quality was the heavy betting favorite for the Kentucky Derby. His fourth-place finish was a bitter disappointment. At the Derby, he was bumped into traffic early but failed to make a move once he had space. On the whole, he had plenty of time but came up flat. But Essential Quality makes for a quality and understandable Belmont Stakes betting favorite. Consider he was the winner of the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity and Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
Hot Rod Charlie Looks to Finish
In like manner to Essential Quality, Hot Rod Charlie hasn’t raced since Derby Day. He finished third in the Run for the Roses. Keep in mind Hot Rod Charlie finished second to Essential Quality in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. All of which makes for an impressive resume with the 2021 Belmont Stakes odds. Also, Hot Rod Charlie was the winner of the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby.
