Here is a preliminary list of possible starters for the Belmont Stakes on June 8th at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The post-position draw for the Belmont is set for 5:30 p.m. on June 4th.
BOURBON WAR
Trainer: Mark Hennig
Jockey: Mike Smith
Last race: 8th in Preakness (May 18 at Pimlico)
EVERFAST
Trainer: Dale Romans
Jockey: Luis Saez
Last race: 2nd in Preakness (May 18 at Pimlico)
INTREPID HEART
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: John Velazquez
Last race: 3rd in Peter Pan (May 11 at Belmont)
JOEVIA
Trainer: Greg Sacco
Jockey: TBA
Last race: 1st in Long Branch Stakes (May 12 at Monmouth)
MASTER FENCER
Trainer: Koichi Tsunoda
Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Last race: 6th in Kentucky Derby (May 4 at Churchill)
SIR WINSTON
Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Last race: 2nd in Peter Pan (May 11 at Belmont)
SPINOFF
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Last race: 18th in Kentucky Derby (May 4 at Churchill)
TACITUS
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Last race: 3rd in Kentucky Derby (May 4 at Churchill)
TAX
Trainer: Danny Gargan
Jockey: TBA
Last race: 14th in Kentucky Derby (May 4 at Churchill)
WAR OF WILL
Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Last race: 1st in Preakness (May 18 at Pimlico)
WAR OF WILL is likely to be the Post Time favorite. He is looking to become the first horse to finish unplaced in the Kentucky Derby and go on to Win the Preakness and Belmont since POINT GIVEN in 2001, and the first non-Derby Winner to win both races since AFLEET ALEX in 2005.
If searching for Value in this field (and DRB always is) the two Todd Pletcher horses are worth a look. Pletcher has Won the Belmont three times previous: TAPWRIT, 2017; PALACE MALICE, 2013; RAGS TO RICHES, 2007.
The complete field for the 151st running of the Belmont should be set by Sunday. Be sure to stop back to the Daily Racing Blog as we will begin to take a closer look at each of the runners.
