Ahh yes, the third leg of the Triple Crown. This 156th running of the “Test of a Champion” will be a little different as it will be contested at Saratoga Race Course at a mile and a quarter instead of the customary mile and a half. That certainly changes the scope of things. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the ten contestants and get a thought on each. Back a horse and get paid!!!
- Seize The Grey (8-1)- We think he is a horse on the rise and the hottest in the three year old male division. Trainer D Wayne Lukas might just get another big one under his belt.
- Resilience (10-1)- Wood Memorial winner was near the front but faded to sixth in the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Bill Mott upset the Belmont field in 2010.
- Mystik Dan (5-1)- Our sentimental pick for sure and the shortened distance likely helps him. If he gets another good trip it could happen for Kentucky Derby champ.
- The Wine Steward (15-1) Three wins and three seconds in six lifetime starts but winless in two starts as the favorite this year. New York bred to play in exotics
- Antiquarian (12-1)-Peter Pan Stakes winner is ridden by Johnny Velazquez and trained by Todd Pletcher. That means he is a live longshot
- Dornoch (15-1)- The break is very important for this son of Good Magic. Jockey Luis Saez is a plus but don’t think it happens here.
- Protective (20-1)- Winless in four career starts but has finished third in two Stakes races for trainer Todd Pletcher. Not likely to break his maiden here.
- Honor Marie (12-1)- Finished eighth in Kentucky Derby and is winless in 2024. Son of Honor Code gets Florent Geroux in the irons but that will not be enough.
- Sierra Leone (9-5)- Distance and track are made to order for this closing son of Gun Runner. A must on all your exotic tickets.
- Mindframe (7-2)- Unbeaten son of Constitution has only two races under his belt. Looks to be very talented but this might be a bit much in just his third career outing
