Belmont Stakes 2021 Horse Profile: Known Agenda

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 Todd Pletcher's best shot to win the race of his three entries - Known Agenda.

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Sean's Take...

Known Agenda:  Initially I thought I was going to have a good deal of interest in Known Agenda in this race, but while I think he should rebound some off a distant ninth-place finish in the Derby, he really didn’t have as much excuse for that subpar outing as I would’ve thought. It’s an almost impossible task to win from the one-hole in the Derby, however Known Agenda worked out a fairly good trip all things considered and was just not competitive in the stretch. A smaller field is going to help him steer clear of any traffic trouble, but I think his win two back in the G1 Florida Derby over Soup and Sandwich represents his ceiling.

J.N's Take...

Trainer Todd Pletcher is heading towards the Hall of Fame, and now all of us turfwriters are going to be forced to scribble “HOF” in front when we are penning pieces describing his entries. That is the way it goes. The distinction is certainly warranted considering his win totals and overall impact on the sport.

He is coming to Belmont with a strong hand, and Known Agenda has some very good experience on his resume. At Churchill though, he had a rough time getting into contention, and even though he was not towards the rear in the end, he did crack the Top Ten, with a 9th place score.

That is not bad considering the competition and the traffic troubles that most face if they are not on or near the lead. Pletcher will have this one ready, I am sure, but I am skeptical that this son of Curlin will be able to make much of an impact. That effort he displayed in the Florida Derby (G1), which at this point seems like eons ago, is one he will try to replicate. I would look elsewhere when it comes to stamina and value.

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.