2023 Belmont Stakes

**Easy-Rider 66** · 06-04-23, 10:27 PM

Some of the possible horses to run include Forte, Tapit Trice, Angel of Empire, National Treasure, Hit Show, Arabian Lion, Arcangelo, Sun Thunder, Red Route One, Raise Cain, Prove Worthy.

**Easy-Rider 66** · 06-04-23, 10:28 PM

Feel free to post any thoughts on the race and selections here. THX.

**Easy-Rider 66** · 06-06-23, 05:00 PM

**JBEX** · 06-06-23, 10:05 PM

#7 hit show (10-1)

broke maiden debut @ kee(2yo) going 7f (only real talented horses do that)

got off a little slow in start 2 and ran evenly ..his only subpar effort

gets through n1x and follows with a g3 win in the withers (the former also a route race) ..opens up significantly in the stretch both races which is a good sign going this distance

wide post and both turns in the wood memorial..between horses a good part of the stretch and misses by a nose..solid effort

close to the hot pace in the derby and holds pretty well to finish 5th

gets the 5 week break not running in the preakness

has tactical speed and should get a nice stalking trip

one of the best trainers in the game

has a significantly better pedigree than top contenders AOE and FORTE which could be meaningful going this distance

.

.

**Easy-Rider 66** · 06-07-23, 12:01 AM

OK JBEX thx for the write up and prediction. Have not looked it over yet but will for sure give Hit Show a long look. THX.

**Easy-Rider 66** · 06-07-23, 12:44 AM

Hey JBEX: What is your read on Arcangelo? He closed into a real slow pace in the Peter Pan at BELMONT. Also Has the best distance breeder rating on the BRISNET Scale(albeit with a question Mark next to it). And Angel of Empire puts the shades on. Interesting move by Cox. Anyhow just took a peak at the BRIS and will probably buy T-graph rating for the race as well.

**Easy-Rider 66** · 06-07-23, 12:57 AM

In addition. Arcangelo has shown an Improved BRIS Velocity # in all 3 starts since his initial start 12/22. Going to study it more before I commit to any horse. Also interested to see who STR. Hart, Mr. G&T, Jelly, BOA12,Pigpen, etc like.

**JBEX** · 06-07-23, 06:02 AM

no problem ez

admittedly i focused mostly on things i liked about mine vs the merits of others

as far as archangelo goes there's no question he has some positives ..i think a race like his last may take something out of him ..going real slow and knocking heads to the wire not the easiest type of race to come out of and you have to come home fast or you won't be involved at the end..this will be his first attempt at 2 turns and not easy thing to do vs stakes horses who've done it many times before..not a top trainer whereas 6 of the 9 in here have top trainers..you do get some betting value with that though

AOE going to have to stay closer to the pace at this distance which probably explains the blinkers..not going to benefit from a fast pace in this race like he did in the derby. classic empire (sire) hasn't been around long enough to establish definitive distance capabilities although the way he ran in the derby wouldn't hold that against him too much

**Easy-Rider 66** · 06-07-23, 06:35 AM

Originally posted by JBEX

no problem ez

admittedly i focused mostly on things i liked about mine vs the merits of others

as far as archangelo goes there's no question he has some positives ..i think a race like his last may take something out of him ..going real slow and knocking heads to the wire not the easiest type of race to come out of and you have to come home fast or you won't be involved at the end..this will be his first attempt at 2 turns and not easy thing to do vs stakes horses who've done it many times before..not a top trainer whereas 6 of the 9 in here have top trainers..you do get some betting value with that though

AOE going to have to stay closer to the pace at this distance which probably explains the blinkers..not going to benefit from a fast pace in this race like he did in the derby. classic empire (sire) hasn't been around long enough to establish definitive distance capabilities although the way he ran in the derby wouldn't hold that against him too much

OK JBEX THX for your takes. makes sense.

**Pigpen** · 06-07-23, 08:15 AM

Hit Show is sneaky good in this event. Of the Cox horses I like him best. I read some quotes by Cox about AOE that did not give me confidence going into this race. Putting the blinkers on may be him looking for something so I am not going to play AOE as he is going to take money IMO.

I also like Arcangelo's last race. He beat a good horse in Bishops Bay. The price will be square and his pedigree (Modeling, by Tapit) may help on this distance.

Can National Treasure put them to sleep on the front end and sprint home. I have seen it happen before in this race and his last race was impressive. Baffert and Johnny V will not help his price.

Good thread EZ, I'll look back and see what the gang is playing and give my final opinion Friday or early Saturday.

**Pigpen** · 06-07-23, 08:29 AM

Something I just noticed. They are offering a double in the Met. Mile/Belmont with a $5 minimum base. I am going to take a long look at this and give it some action.

**Easy-Rider 66** · 06-07-23, 08:35 AM

Originally posted by Pigpen

Hit Show is sneaky good in this event. Of the Cox horses I like him best. I read some quotes by Cox about AOE that did not give me confidence going into this race. Putting the blinkers on may be him looking for something so I am not going to play AOE as he is going to take money IMO.

I also like Arcangelo's last race. He beat a good horse in Bishops Bay. The price will be square and his pedigree (Modeling, by Tapit) may help on this distance.

Can National Treasure put them to sleep on the front end and sprint home. I have seen it happen before in this race and his last race was impressive. Baffert and Johnny V will not help his price.

Good thread EZ, I'll look back and see what the gang is playing and give my final opinion Friday or early Saturday.

OK Pigpen thx for checking in. Will look for your pick later in the week. I will make mine on SAT most likely.

**kyhawk** · 06-07-23, 09:06 AM

I cannot believe it's been over 40 years since I was at the Belmont Stakes.

Risen Star was the winner. of the only time I went to that track.

Fuk, me I am old.

**Easy-Rider 66** · 06-07-23, 09:12 AM

Originally posted by kyhawk

I cannot believe it's been over 40 years since I was at the Belmont Stakes.

Risen Star was the winner. of the only time I went to that track.

Fuk, me I am old.

LOL. Time catches up to you Kyhawk. GL if you play the Belmont Stakes.

**JBEX** · 06-07-23, 10:20 AM

friday is the 50 year anniversary of secretariat winning it ..would've been cool if it lined up exactly with this year's edition

**hehfest** · 06-07-23, 10:45 AM

Originally posted by kyhawk

I cannot believe it's been over 40 years since I was at the Belmont Stakes.

Risen Star was the winner. of the only time I went to that track.

Fuk, me I am old.

Get yourself a few transplants, some Bosley hair, some dental implants, and some viagra senior and hit the road.

**str** · 06-07-23, 01:41 PM

Can anyone disrupt a crawl early on from National Treasure?
I want to look some more But geez.

**Easy-Rider 66** · 06-07-23, 01:56 PM

Originally posted by str

Can anyone disrupt a crawl early on from National Treasure?
I want to look some more But geez.

Yeah STR not much speed signed up. Maybe the #1 Tapit Shoes goes with National Treasure?

**Stallion** · 06-07-23, 06:25 PM

Tough to pick a winner, I see 4 or 5 that could take it.

**JBEX** · 06-07-23, 07:32 PM

Originally posted by JBEX

#7 hit show (10-1)

broke maiden debut @ kee(2yo) going 7f (only real talented horses do that)

got off a little slow in start 2 and ran evenly ..his only subpar effort

gets through n1x and follows with a g3 win in the withers (the former also a route race) ..opens up significantly in the stretch both races which is a good sign going this distance

wide post and both turns in the wood memorial..between horses a good part of the stretch and misses by a nose..solid effort

close to the hot pace in the derby and holds pretty well to finish 5th

gets the 5 week break not running in the preakness

has tactical speed and should get a nice stalking trip

one of the best trainers in the game

has a significantly better pedigree than top contenders AOE and FORTE which could be meaningful going this distance

.

.

forgot to mention that he had the rail post which is no easy task

**Otters27** · 06-07-23, 11:27 PM

I'm hoping to get a winner from this thread. Thank you

**DrunkHorseplayer** · 06-07-23, 11:46 PM

This is a tough race, I see six horses that could conceivably win. I'll have to go with Arcangelo, he's been improving in every race. Food for thought: Tapit has sired four of the last eight Belmont Stakes winners and he has the 1 and 2 in here.

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 06-08-23, 12:20 AM

Originally posted by JBEX

forgot to mention that he had the rail post which is no easy task

Good Luck, Jbex. Will be giving Hit Show a long look.

**littlekona** · 06-08-23, 05:33 AM

no way they should run this Race. Should be pushed back at least a week IMO. What you guys think?

**JBEX** · 06-08-23, 06:16 AM

I hear it's supposed to be out of the area by saturday.. probably know more by later in the day tomorrow and maybe then a decision can be made..there's also 5 graded stakes scheduled for friday and have to imagine there's a good chance they'll be postponed

**JBEX** · 06-08-23, 06:50 AM

Originally posted by ChuckyTheGoat

Good Luck, Jbex. Will be giving Hit Show a long look.

thanks chucky ..I expect him to be at least a little lower than ml come post time

**big joe 1212** · 06-08-23, 07:58 AM

Wonder if the air pollution will play a factor In performance

**str** · 06-08-23, 08:52 AM

The air quality is HUGE when it comes to race horses racing. They can not compete in poor air quality with out respiratory problems that can be long term and possibly deadly. It's even difficult to gallop your horses in that air.

The air will need to clear up quite a bit for racing to be able to take place.

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 06-08-23, 10:09 AM

Originally posted by JBEX

thanks chucky ..I expect him to be at least a little lower than ml come post time

Thank you. I'll study up on it. As of now, will have some fun-money on that horse.

**Easy-Rider 66** · 06-09-23, 12:59 AM

Going with #8 Angel of Empire in the Belmont Stakes and will play an exacta Box with the #1 Tapit Shoes and or the #3 Arcangelo. According to Thorograph info Angel is the most Solid horse in this year's race. Comes off a closing 3rd in the KY Derby where he scored a 122 Timeform number. He has shown an improvement speed number wise in all 4 of his starts since his first asking on 11/14/22. He add blinkers this race so hopefully he will be closer to the possible slow pace(even though according to Timeform Projection it will be a fast pace). Brad Cox his trainer has a good ROI with this move. Also 2 good works at CD in Late May and early June. Rated 2nd to Forte on BRISNET prime power ratings. Angel is 7/2 ML so hope to get at least 3/1 at post. Also get Flavian Prat in the irons.

Going to make a decision race day whether to box the #8 with the #1 or the #3. The #1 should be forwardly placed and like the #3 shows a progression on the speed figures. The #3 closed into a slow Pace in the Peter Pan at Belmont and scored. I may just use both in the box with the #8 and decrease the win bet on Angel.

Good luck to all playing the race. Look forward to others picks.

**mjsuax13** · 06-09-23, 01:33 AM

Great information in this thread. Good luck to all.

**littlekona** · 06-09-23, 06:01 AM

Originally posted by Easy-Rider 66

Going with #8 Angel of Empire in the Belmont Stakes and will play an exacta Box with the #1 Tapit Shoes and or the #3 Arcangelo. According to Thorograph info Angel is the most Solid horse in this year's race. Comes off a closing 3rd in the KY Derby where he scored a 122 Timeform number. He has shown an improvement speed number wise in all 4 of his starts since his first asking on 11/14/22. He add blinkers this race so hopefully he will be closer to the possible slow pace(even though according to Timeform Projection it will be a fast pace). Brad Cox his trainer has a good ROI with this move. Also 2 good works at CD in Late May and early June. Rated 2nd to Forte on BRISNET prime power ratings. Angel is 7/2 ML so hope to get at least 3/1 at post. Also get Flavian Prat in the irons.

Going to make a decision race day whether to box the #8 with the #1 or the #3. The #1 should be forwardly placed and like the #3 shows a progression on the speed figures. The #3 closed into a slow Pace in the Peter Pan at Belmont and scored. I may just use both in the box with the #8 and decrease the win bet on Angel.

Good luck to all playing the race. Look forward to others picks.

he checks all the boxes that was good KY run..... but the reason he wont win is Pennsylvania bred

**Easy-Rider 66** · 06-09-23, 06:39 AM

Originally posted by littlekona

he checks all the boxes that was good KY run..... but the reason he wont win is Pennsylvania bred

OK Kona thx for your take. But can you expand your reasoning a bit deeper. not sure I understand why being a PA bred is the reason Angel will not win. I mean Smarty Jones was a PA Bred and he scored in Derby/Preakness and placed 2nd in the Belmont Stakes. THX in advance.

**littlekona** · 06-09-23, 10:53 PM

Originally posted by Easy-Rider 66

OK Kona thx for your take. But can you expand your reasoning a bit deeper. not sure I understand why being a PA bred is the reason Angel will not win. I mean Smarty Jones was a PA Bred and he scored in Derby/Preakness and placed 2nd in the Belmont Stakes. THX in advance.

i just like to use history too toss esp shorter priced runners...Like i said he looks good checks most all the boxes but being a PA bred makes him a toss for me......another toss is Forte due to layoff of 37 days or so + based on history