Belmont Stakes 2015: Full Odds and Top Contenders to Beat American Pharoah
American Pharoah has a chance to be the first Triple Crown winner since 1978, but plenty of other contenders will stop this from being an easy task.
The talented thoroughbred won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, leaving just the Belmont Stakes in the way of the most coveted prize in horse racing. Of course, we have seen plenty of other challengers win the first two legs before falling in the third.
If American Pharoah is going to complete the three-race sweep, he will have to get through these tough contenders.
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| American Pharoah | Bob Baffert | 1-1 |
| Frosted | Kiaran McLaughlin | 5-1 |
| Materiality | Todd Pletcher | 15-2 |
| Mubtaahij | Mike de Kock | 14-1 |
| Carpe Diem | Todd Pletcher | 16-1 |
| Madefromlucky | Todd Pletcher | 22-1 |
| Keen Ice | Dale Romans | 25-1 |
| Tale of Verve | Dallas Stewart | 28-1 |
| Conquest Curlinate | Mark Casse | 33-1 |
| Frammento | Nicholas Zito | 50-1 |
Mubtaahij
One of the major setbacks for Triple Crown contenders is the quick turnaround from the first two races. It gives those who skip the Preakness Stakes an advantage of over a month's rest.
Trainer Mike de Kock believed this could give his horse an edge at Belmont.
"The Belmont suits us best," de Kock said, via the Blood-Horse. "Mubtaahij will see out the (1 1/2 miles). We have more than a month to prepare him. Mubtaahij will be more settled and he'll be better for it, he'll come on from his Derby run."
Even after finishing in eighth place at the Kentucky Derby, Mubtaahij has shown plenty of pure speed on the tracks. The Courier-Journal noted his recent performance in short distances:
With the addition of jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., who ranks fourth on the money list in 2015, Mubtaahij should stay with the pack before having the ability to finish strong down the stretch.
Materiality
One of the most disappointing performances at Churchill Downs belonged to Materiality, as the horse could only manage sixth place in the tough race. This after winning each of his first three career starts, including the Florida Derby.
Even with this poor effort on the big stage, many believe Materiality remains the top contender for American Pharoah at the Belmont, including Tim Layden of Sports Illustrated:
David Grening of Daily Racing Form agrees:
Todd Pletcher kept all of his horses out of the Preakness Stakes to get them ready for Belmont, a race he has won twice in his career. Now Materiality, Carpe Diem and Madefromlucky all have a chance to finish in the money in New York.
Of all these challengers, though, Materiality clearly has the best chance to take on the favorite.
Frosted
With Dortmund and Firing Line both passing on a chance to compete at Belmont, Frosted becomes the highest Kentucky Derby finisher remaining besides American Pharoah.
Frosted came into Churchill Downs as a solid sleeper bet after winning the Wood Memorial and ended up just out of the money in fourth place. Now he will try to use the momentum for another strong performance against a top field at Belmont.
One not-so-secret weapon Frosted will have is the presence of jockey Joel Rosario. The veteran is not only one of the best in the sport, but he also has experience ruining dreams after winning the Belmont Stakes last year with Tonalist, upsetting Triple Crown contender California Chrome.
Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin should have his horse prepared for the extended race, and Frosted will be a serious contender to end up in the winner's circle.
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