Belmont Stakes 2017: Projected Prize Money Earnings, Order of Finish and More
Following the withdrawal of Classic Empire the 2017 edition of the Belmont Stakes is set to be one of the most open in years.
Having been installed as favourite earlier this week, the colt has been pulled out of the showpiece race due to a foot abscess recurrence. Additionally, Always Dreaming—the winner of the Kentucky Derby—and Cloud Computing—the Preakness Stakes champion—will also miss the final Triple Crown race.
It means Irish War Cry has been named at the top of the betting.
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Here is a look at how the bookmakers are seeing matters ahead of the race in New York, the projected prize money and a preview of one of the most enjoyable dates in the horse racing season.
Posts and Odds
1. Twisted Tom (15-1)
2. Tapwrit (6-1)
3. Gormley (7-1)
4. J Boys Echo (15-1)
5. Hollywood Handsome (20-1)
6. Lookin At Lee (5-1)
7. Irish War Cry (3-1)
8. Senior Investment (10-1)
9. Meantime (15-1)
10. Multiplier (12-1)
11. Epicharis (7-2) (Scratched, per Bloodhorse's Claire Novak and Jeremy Balan)
12. Patch (15-1)
Odds courtesy of books monitored by OddsShark and accurate as of Friday, June 9.
Prize Money
There is a total purse of $1.5 million on offer in this one-and-a-half mile showdown, with the winning camp set to pocket a cool $800,000, per TheTripleCrown.com. It’s anticipated second place will earn $200,000, with third set to take home $150,000.
Preview
Although the absence of the two winners of the previous Triple Crown events may leave some punters underwhelmed, it seems there may be an enthralling race to enjoy at Belmont nonetheless.
Indeed, Classic Empire looked to be the class of the field on Saturday having finished fourth in Kentucky after a bump start and second at Preakness to the shock winner. However, his chances of winning any of the big three have been dashed due to injury.
It’s Irish War Cry that took up the spot at the top of the betting as a result. Even his trainer Graham Motion admitted he was surprised to see him lead the market:
Indeed, while Irish War has been handed a favourable draw, his form heading into Belmont hasn’t been indicative of a potential winner.
At Churchill Downs he was expected to feature in the shakeup for Derby victory, although eventually ambled home in 10th position. In April Irish War Cry did win the Wood Memorial, although was vulnerable again in the Fountain of Youth, finishing in seventh.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be a major surprise if punters looked elsewhere ahead of the race.
Other contenders include Looking At Lee, who has enjoyed solid performances in both of the Triple Crown races so far.
After coming home in an unexpected second place at Kentucky, he was fourth in Preakness. While the rigours of competing in two gruelling races may catch up with Lookin At Lee this weekend, the horse outperformed Irish War Cry at Churchill Downs.
As noted by Sophie Shore of the Nexus Racing Club, the Steven Asmussen-trained colt has showed tremendous continuity in 2017:
"Quick congratulations to LOOKIN AT LEE, who is the only horse to run in all 3 legs of the Triple Crown this year.
— Sophie Shore (@Shore_Sophie) June 7, 2017"
Senior Investment is a horse who caught the eye at Preakness, as he finished in third place behind Cloud Computing and Classic Empire. He was a strong finisher at Pimlico and in a field down on top quality, jockey Channing Hill will be confident of going a couple better with a strong tactical ride.
Gormley is another interesting possibility. Victor Espinoza will be on board and he knows what’s required to win at Belmont, clinching the Triple Crown in this race on American Pharoah in 2015. Victory at the Grade 1 Santa Anita Stakes proves he has the pace to challenge. He should be sharp over the distance too.
In a wide open field, expect a tactical race, a fast finish and a fresh horse to emerge victorious. Gormley, at the odds aforementioned, looks capable of edging this one.
Prediction: 1. Gormley, 2. Irish War Cry, 3. Lookin At Lee
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