2015 Belmont Stakes Field: Final Vegas Odds and Projections for Entry List
The only name on the lips of racing fans for the 2015 Belmont Stakes is American Pharoah—as the contender looks to become the first winner of the Triple Crown in 37 years.
Pharoah swept aside the competition in spectacular fashion at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and now looks to complete the set of major wins.
The colt is every bookmaker's favourite, with Frosted and Materiality the only two names being backed as viable winners.
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Here is a look at the final odds for the race and predictions for the field:
| 1 | Mubtaahij | 14-1 | 5th |
| 2 | Tale of Verve | 20-1 | 6th |
| 3 | Madefromlucky | 14-1 | 4th |
| 4 | Frammento | 33-1 | 7th |
| 5 | American Pharoah | 10-13 | 1st |
| 6 | Frosted | 11-2 | 2nd |
| 7 | Keen Ice | 25-1 | 8th |
| 8 | Materiality | 13-2 | 3rd |
The Holy Grail of Horse Racing
Many horses have found their way close to the finish line, looking for the elusive third win, but many have failed with a Belmont Stakes victory within grasp.
American Pharoah is rightfully the favourite in the final Vegas odds for the race, but history tells us completing a clean sweep is almost impossible.
Last year, California Chrome was on the edge of glory as he attempted to grab the Triple Crown, but he could not complete the Herculean task.
But there is something different about Pharoah and his diverse qualities.
Tim Layden of Sports Illustrated believes Pharoah can go on and win the Triple Crown but says the horse will have to beat a strong field in order to attain the title:
"There are multiple factors that enable a horse—or any living creature—to run fast for an extended period of time (the Belmont will take nearly two-and-a-half minutes). One of those factors is aerobic capacity, but another is efficiency of movement.
American Pharoah moves with breathtaking efficiency. His stride is swift and fluid, low to the earth and powerful, with minimal time spent in the air.
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The horse most likely to stop Pharoah is Frosted, who finished a credible fourth in the Kentucky Derby. But he will have to put on a lung-busting performance to stay with the favourite over the final moments of the race.
The smart money is on Pharoah—and for obvious reasons—but the Belmont is a truly grueling race, even for the fittest and freshest horses.
Frosted and Materiality fell well short of Pharoah in the Derby, but if they can stay closer near the end, there is a chance for a dramatic finish.
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