Belmont Stakes Entries: We the People constitutes the favorite on Saturday

Race 11: 1½ (Dirt) The Belmont Stakes (G1), $1.5 Million, 3 (Saturday)

We made it to the final leg of the 2021 Triple Crown … somehow. When I think back to the road we travelled, dating back before the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, it has been quite a year of twists and turns. It always is … Since we do not have a possible Triple Crown winner, the race automatically takes on a different feel. That is just the way it goes. It would have been nice to see a full-field of say 12, but we must be content with 8. What we do have in our midst is the Kentucky Derby winner, a filly, and storylines aplenty. The Belmont Racing Festival is about to reach its crescendo … they all are about to play!

Now, let’s find out about this field…

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#1 We the People (Jky: F. Prat/Trn: R. Brisset):

Trainer Rudy Brisset has paid his dues, and now looks to notch his 1st Triple Crown contest to his credit. He has a talented son of Constitution in his midst, and this one is a deserved favorite. The reason is that his win in the Peter Pan (G3), a prep for this spot, was such a resounding victory … how much? It was 10-lengths … Regular rider Flavien Prat is going to get the call once again. His job … break cleanly and get to the lead. If he can control the pace upfront, then Brisset, and owners WinStar Farm and new investor Bobby Flay, could be tasting victory! Salud …

Grade: A-

#2 Skippylongstocking (Jky: M. Franco/Trn: S. Joseph):

Here is a popular pick from the Preakness S. (G1) that did not really live up to his potential. Trainer Saffie Joseph is coming back to New York, and looking for his son of Exaggerator to come from behind. That isn’t going to be easy against this field. Jockey Manny Franco won the Belmont during COVID, when the race led-off the Triple Trail. He has experience, just not aboard this particular runner. Many a backer will hope that he can race like he did in the Grade Wood Memorial … ending up 3rd to Mo Donegal #6. It probably will not happen, but what we do know is that Joseph is having one special year.

Grade: C+

#3 Nest (Jky: J. Ortiz/Trn: T. Pletcher):

The filly trend continues … After Secret Oath took on the boys in the Preakness S. (G1), it is time for Todd Pletcher’s strong runner to take the stage. Owned by both Repole Stable and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, she was 2nd in the KYOaks (G1) to Lukas’ impressive 3-yr-old. Coming into the Belmont, Pletcher is looking to replicate his 1st win in this race, which was a filly … Rags to Riches. I like her chances, and will be using her as a “key” in several scenarios. Her late moves can be a real asset, and it will be interesting to see how new rider Jose Ortiz takes on the chore. Taking over for his brother Irad might be a good thing …

Grade: A-

#4 Rich Strike (Jky: S. Leon/Trn: E. Reed):

The skeptics and cynics are out … they say that Eric Reed’s 80/1 shot that won the KYD148 was a fluke. We shall see … The plan was to skip the Preakness S. (G1), rest up, and point to Belmont. Everything appears to be going to order with all of the shipping and workouts taking place without a hitch (aka no bad behavior). Soon, it will be up to Sonny Leon to hop aboard. Many do not realize that this jock has a special attitude about him, and that makes him unflappable. Can he win the Belmont Stakes? Not sure … What we do know is that his mount will not be 80/1. With a set of late, strong moves, he is a contender.

Grade: B

#5 Creative Minster (Jky: B. Hernandez/Trn: K. McPeek):

Here is a rapidly rising talent from the McPeek Barn that has already exceeded expectations. During Derby Week, the Kentucky-based conditioner predicted this son of Creative Cause would win impressively against OC80kn1x-types … and he did. Coming into the Preakness S. (G1), McPeek kept touting his runner, and at 10/1 odds, he ended up 3rd behind Early Voting and Epicenter. That was a strong showing, and we will see if the distance, the track, and pace will suit … If experienced rider Brian Hernandez can track the leader(s), then that could set-up an end run. One to consider using in your exotics for sure.

Grade: B-

#6 Mo Donegal (Jky: I. Ortiz/Trn: T. Pletcher):

Along the Kentucky Derby Trail, no horse ran as well on different tracks than this Todd Pletcher-trainee. It all started with that “nose” win in the Remsen S. (G2) and ended with a “neck” score in the Wood Memorial (G2). Only the Holy Bull (G3) was a miss. Last seen at Churchill in the “Run for the Roses,” he drew the dreaded rail spot … Irad Ortiz ended up 5th aboard him. That was rather respectable, especially considering the pace and field size. Donegal Racing has a good crowd behind it, and if they can pull off the victory, it will be a celebrated moment. This one has a big chance, if he can get some pace to run into. The major question mark, I think.

Grade: B+

#7 Golden Glider (Jky: D. Davis/Trn: M. Casse):

HOF trainer Mark Casse won the Belmont S. with Sir Winston, and looks to add another victory to his expansive trophy room. A colt by Ghostzapper, his runner cost Gary Barber and company a cool $395k. Efforts at Tampa Bay in their Derby (G2), and then at Keeneland in the Blue Grass (G1) were disappointing (both 4th). A popular pick in the Peter Pan S. (G3) against rival We the People #1, jockey Dylan Davis wasn’t able to catch-up in the end. What we can say is that this entry will be a long shot come Saturday … and that is warranted.  

Grade: C+

#8 Barber Road (Jky: J. Rosario/Trn: J. Ortiz):

Here is the other most consistent Derby Trail runner, and he comes from the excellent barn of John Ortiz. A trainer that worked his way up through the system, he has dreamed of getting to come to Big Sandy to compete in the Belmont Stakes. Based in Hot Springs, this colt by Race Day was game throughout the Arkansas Series, nearly winning the Southwest S. (G3) and the Arkansas Derby (G1). His KYD148 ride with Rey Gutierrez resulted in a 6th Place finish. Now, Ortiz makes the switch to celebrated rider, Joel Rosario. What an upgrade … It would be a proud moment for this outfit to visit the winner’s circle. All horses have heart, but this one is something special. One to watch …

Grade: B

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Join us Saturday for all of our Belmont Stakes card selections! Should be a great set of races from NYRA’s home in Elmont, New York! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!