2023 Belmont Stakes Runs Saturday With Forte Favored

Specifically, 2023 Belmont Stakes horses will go to post on Saturday, June 10, at Belmont Park.  Arabian Lion won his last race at the Sir Barton Stakes and finished with a Beyer Speed Figure of 103.  The Bob Baffert-trained horse is 10-1 in the latest 2023 Belmont Stakes odds.  And he could be a fast-rising name to consider when making early 2023 Belmont Stakes Odds in this year’s Test of the Champion.  Additionally, other contenders include Preakness winner National Treasure (6-1), Arkansas Derby winner Angel of Empire (4-1), and Kentucky Derby morning-line favorite Forte (3-1).

2023 Belmont Stakes

When:  Saturday, June 10, 2023, 7:02 p.m. ET

Where:  Belmont Park, Elmont, New York

TV:  FOX

2023 Belmont Stakes CashBet Odds:  Forte 3-1, Tapit Trice 7-2, Angel of Empire 4-1, National Treasure 6-1, Arabian Lion 10-1, Arcangelo 10-1, Hit Show 15-1, Red Route One 20-1, Reincarnate 30-1, Raise Cain 30-1, Sun Thunder 30-1, Prove Worthy 30-1

Forte Takes the Point as 2023 Belmont Stakes CashBet Chalk

At the onset, online sportsbook expectations for Forte were sky-high, leading into the Kentucky Derby on May 6.  However, that was blown up when state veterinarians scratched Forte in the morning.  Cause by a hoof bruise.  Given the international spotlight focused on the Derby, it was the right call.  Hence, Forte was also prohibited from running in the Preakness Stakes based on a two-week recovery period mandated after the scratch.

Now, all systems are go for Belmont 155.  And Forte probably will go off as the post-time favorite against a strong field.  Since last fall, he’s maintained top form.  Also, he showed his best ability by racing around two turns.  In sum, he is sporting a perfect 4-for-4 record.  Including a rallying one-length win in his most recent race, the Curlin Florida Derby on April 1.

Forte is rested, recovered, and should be ready to fire another big one for 2023 Belmont Stakes betting.  Belmont.  Although Forte has never raced on this track or attempted 1 ½ miles, his stalking running style plus the experience of champion jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. should give him an advantage.  It would be a surprise to see him finish out of the money come June 10.

Tapit Trice Brings Appealing Record for Gamblers to Consider

Correlate that for several months, Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher has touted Tapit Trice as a tailor-made horse for the 1 ½-mile 2023 Belmont Stakes lines.  Now in just a few days, we’ll see if that reputation is confirmed.  The colt is by a sire in Tapit whose offspring have won four of the past nine editions of the Belmont.  Additionally, he made his first career start at a mile.  Instead of a sprint distance back in November of last year.

In turn, Pletcher has patiently developed Tapit Trice since then.  And the colt won two Kentucky Derby prep races (the South Tampa Bay Derby and the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes).  Despite showing signs of inexperience, in particular, a lack of speed out of the gate.

In the Kentucky Derby, Tapit Trice started slowly again.  As a result, that proved costly as a tiring horse bumped him as he started to rally.  Subsequently, he was forced to race very wide in the stretch en route to a seventh-place finish.

But Tapit Trice should be fresh for the Belmont Stakes off of that effort.  And he is a leading win candidate Saturday.  However, he’ll need to be more alert out of the gate.  And responsive to jockey Luis Saez’s handling to stay in closer touch with the leaders in the early stages. 

Angel of Empire Could Offer Strong Value  

Angel of Empire was the 4.06-1 post-time favorite in the Kentucky Derby on May 6.  And he came with his patented late run in the stretch of the 1 ¼-mile Derby only to finish third by 1 ½ lengths.  He finished with a rush and galloped out well in his two wins leading up to the Kentucky Derby, the Risen Star Stakes, and the Arkansas Derby.

This colt has been pointed to long-distance races such as the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes for several months.  And the 2023 Belmont Stakes Odds mile and a half should be right in his wheelhouse.  However, it will be critical for jockey Flavien Prat to keep him within range of the pacesetters through the early stages of the race, as deep closers have not had much success in the Belmont. 

2023 Belmont Stakes CashBet Best Bets

Tapit Trice