Belmont Stakes 2021 Horse Profile: Bourbonic

The main event on Saturday is clearly the $1,500,000 grade I Belmont Stakes. As we've done for both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness - our in-house handicapper (Sean) and turf-man (J.N.) have put together their thoughts on all the runners for the race.

This piece features their thoughts on Bourbonic. One of three Todd Pletcher horses in the field and a 15-1 shot on the Morning Line.

You can bet on the Belmont with any of our betting partners via our Race Card at the bottom of the page.

Sean's Take...

Bourbonic:  This guy orchestrated the biggest upset in the history of the G2 Wood Memorial on the NYRA circuit earlier this year, but sadly lightning didn’t strike twice in the G1 Kentucky Derby, in which he finished 13th, beaten 16 lengths by Medina Spirit in the end. The mile and a half distance of the Belmont Stakes truly is the great equalizer, however Bourbonic is going to need to make up many lengths on the top contenders in this race, which I have a hard time seeing. I wouldn’t completely rule him out of the exotics conversation, but I can’t endorse him as a serious win candidate.

J.N's Take...

Another Pletcher runner who appears to be entered just enter … Bourbonic shocked everyone in the lackluster Wood Memorial (G2), a race in the old days that used to be the gold standard when it came to producing fabulous runners. It is still hard to believe that the colt and his ginormous price set the all-time record for Wood scores.

Still, I am not bullish but bearish on this one. Bernardini’s offspring have had success over time, but it will not be here. A Calumet Farm homebred is certainly an inviting storyline, especially considering they once faced economic ruin under their original ownership. Nothing like a good story, even if the horse may end up being 70/1 at post time. They are used to it …

Here at HorseRacing.net we'll have comprehensive coverage of the action at Belmont Park throughout the week and on Belmont Stakes day itself. Our in-house handicapper will be handicapping the cards in-depth on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with our turf-man also providing his thoughts on all the Graded Stakes races throughout. So keep checking back with us all week for coverage of the Belmont Stakes and all the undercard races.

You can bet on the Belmont with any of our partners via the Race Card below.