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2018 Belmont Stakes: Horses to Watch, Predictions and Betting Odds

Justify, Belmont Stakes, Horse Racing
May 24, 2018; Louisville, KY, USA; Exercise rider Humberto Gomez and Justify out for a light gallop at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Mandatory Credit: Scott Utterback/Courier Journal via USA TODAY Sports

Justify is looking to make history in the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes. With a win, Justify would become only the second horse to win a Triple Crown since 1978.

If any trainer could accomplish the rare feat, however, it’s likely Bob Baffert. Baffert, Justify’s trainer, also trained American Pharoah, who claimed the Triple Crown in 2015. Justify has a 5-0 career mark.

After winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness crowns, Justify will enter the race with 4-5 odds as the clear favorite, but will face challenges from several contenders.

Hofburg (4-1) did not race at the Preakness and is accordingly rested. Bravazo (8-1) finished second at the Preakness. Hofburg finished seventh at the Kentucky Derby. Bravazo has had an up-and-down career since it commenced in 2017. These are the two most notable challengers, but don’t rule out a charge from a sleeper.

The 2018 Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., will commence Friday, June 9, at 6:37 p.m. EST. Coverage will begin at 9 a.m. EST on NBC.

Betting Information

BetDSI Sportsbook has released full betting odds for the Belmont Stakes. Check out the lines below.

Justify (4-5)
Hofburg (4-1)
Bravazo (8-1)
Tenfold (10-1)
Blended Citizen (14-1)
Vino Rosso (9-1)
Free Drop Billy (50-1)
Gronkowski (69-1)

Written by Aaron Mansfield

Aaron Mansfield is a freelance sports writer. His work has appeared in Complex, USA Today and the New York Times. Mansfield is a PhD candidate at UMass Amherst.

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