The 2024 Belmont Stakes
And so, lucky reader, we have reached the end of yet another Triple Crown season, one that has been marked by bravura performances and exciting finishes.
Speaking of finished, let’s all pause to mourn the passing of the grand old grandstand at Belmont Park, as it is being demolished to make room for the “New and Improved/Fan friendly” Belmont Park. New, improved and fan friendly, of course, being code words for $18 draft beers and $12 hot dogs.
Thus, standing in for Belmont Park in grand fashion this year (and next year and, let’s face it, probably 2026 also) is the historic racecourse in Saratoga Springs, the “Summer Place to Be” as the old marketing slogan used to say. It still is, just a little earlier this year.
With the temporary location in Saratoga, the term “Beletoga” has been coined by some but, for devoted followers of Your Faithful Correspondent (YFC) we’ll just refer to it as a Toga party.
So, let’s start roamin’ through the field for this year’s Belmont Stakes (in post position order);
Seize the Grey
Upset winner of the Preakness Stakes three weeks ago for “The Coach,” the venerable D. Wayne Lukas, gets the coveted rail spot. Going to be on or near the pace so almost guaranteed the shortest trip around the upstate oval. Loves a wet track, which is possible Saturday. Like Derby winner Mystik Dan, unafraid to race for the 3rd time in 5 weeks.
Resilience
Showed a lot in his Wood Memorial victory but the field for that race was more suspect than a “Free Candy” van in a school yard. Faded on a wet track earlier in career, a condition he may encounter again on Saturday. If he triumphs here, you’ll certainly be able to say he showed a lot of…c’mon, do I have to spell it out for you?
Mystik Dan
Speaking of togas, racing fans everywhere rejoice that trainer Ken McPeek has thrown out “The Sheets,” which typically advise more rest between big efforts for their charges. Kenny instead is believing the evidence of his eyes. He says the horse is doing well, so who is YFC to doubt him? Another one who would love a wet track on Saturday.
The Wine Steward
Not a case of sour grapes – just can’t see this guy popping the cork in the winner’s circle Saturday.
Antiquarian
An antiquarian is one who is a student of things of the past. Students of the past will note that trainer Todd Pletcher has won the Belmont Stakes 4 times in his career. Looms a threat on his best day. Morning line on this guy is 12-1. I expect his off odds to be more like 7 or 8-1.
Dornoch
Knock on him is that the promise he showed as a 2 year old has not been fulfilled in his 3 YO year. Had the door slammed on him when the gates opened in Louisville, losing all chance. Needs to be on or near the lead. Should be Saturday. Big question – can he return to that 2YO form or will he be unable to answer the bell?
Protective
Winless in his four starts to date, doesn’t feel like owner Mike Repole is being very protective of this guy. Nothing but cons on Pro.
Honor Marie
Had a brutal trip in the Kentucky Derby and still managed a credible 8th place finish. Big chance here if the early pace is swift.
Sierra Leone
Fast closing 2nd place finisher in the Derby probably should have been disqualified for interference with the third place finisher. Thankfully for YFC’s exacta bet the stewards (who must have been stewed, so blatant was the interference) declined to demote Leone, thus putting some extra Leonies in YFC’s pocket. Trainer Chad Brown adds blinkers to the horse Saturday – net effect being the horse won’t see those into whom he is colliding. Still a big chance on his best.
Mindframe
Just two lifetime races to date but super impressive efforts. A huge threat from the outside if he’s in the right frame of mind. May have some company on the front end so a wide trip could cost him.
Selections
This toga party ain’t all Greek to YFC! One more time with Honor Marie here. The price is right and feels like the pace of the race sets up for him as well.
Good luck and hold all tickets!
