Belmont Stakes 2015 Post Positions: Slot Info, Predictions for Finishing Order
The final race of the 2015 Triple Crown season is just 24 hours away. American Pharoah is set to try to become the first horse in 37 years to complete the Triple Crown by winning the Belmont Stakes.
After winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, American Pharoah is the clear favorite to win the Belmont Stakes, per Odds Shark:
- Mubtaahij - 14-1
- Tale of Verve - 20-1
- Madefromlucky - 14-1
- Frammento - 40-1
- American Pharoah - 5-7
- Frosted - 6-1
- Keen Ice - 25-1
- Materiality - 13-2
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Historically, the first post position has produced the most winners. American's Pharoah's fifth position has generated 13 past winners of the last Triple Crown race.
| Post Position | Winners |
| 1 | 23 |
| 2 | 11 |
| 3 | 13 |
| 4 | 9 |
| 5 | 13 |
| 6 | 7 |
| 7 | 11 |
| 8 | 5 |
Mubtaahij Is a Live Dog
Depending on how much stock you put into the post position history on a given track, the previous numbers might influence you to tab Mubtaahij at 14-1 odds. That could be a fairly significant payout for a small investment if he does well. Even if he just finishes third, which is a solid possibility, bettors stand to come away happy with the results.
After his disappointing eighth-place finish at the Kentucky Derby, it's easy to dismiss Mubtaahij's chances. However, the horse did win four of his last five races before failing to impress at Churchill Downs. After a ton of rest, Mubtaahij will be in good form to have his best showing.
Trainer Mike de Kock seems confident his horse can be a factor and even win the Belmont. When asked if he would feel bad if his horse spoiled American Pharoah's Triple Crown run—considering what it would mean for the sport—per Wayne Coffey of the New York Daily News, de Kock said, “Yes, for 30 seconds I would. Then I’d be elated for myself and my horse.”
Full Predictions
| 1 | American Pharoah |
| 2 | Materiality |
| 3 | Mubtaahij |
| 4 | Frosted |
| 5 | MadefromLucky |
| 6 | Tale of Verve |
| 7 | Frammento |
| 8 | Keen Ice |
Even with a solid and rested horse in a historically good post position, Mubtaahij won't be good enough to spoil American Pharoah's date with horse racing immortality. The Derby and Preakness Stakes winner is simply too versatile and good.
Some, such as the New York Times' Melissa Hoppert, may have doubted American Pharoah before, but he's proved them wrong. Hoppert wrote: "He [American Pharoah] has won six straight and looks no worse for the wear. I picked against him in the Derby and the Preakness, and I won’t make that mistake again."
No one should.
After chasing down fellow Bob Baffert trainee Dortmund and Firing Line at the Derby and winning on a muddy track from the rail position at the Preakness, American Pharoah has proved he's a special horse.
The race is for second place, and that will go to Todd A. Pletcher's Materiality. Like Mubtaahij, Materiality was disappointing at the Derby and sat out the Preakness. Like most Pletcher-trained horses, he'll be at his best for the Belmont Stakes. He'll be the closest to American Pharoah, with Mubtaahij coming in at the show position.
Casual and hardcore fans shouldn't miss Saturday's race. It's going to be historic.
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