Belmont Stakes Contenders: Dornoch

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Dornoch is a contender for the 2024 Belmont Stakes, a colt with a strong pedigree and promising performance history.

Trained by Danny Gargan and ridden by Luis Saez, had a challenging trip in the Kentucky Derby, breaking from the No. 1 post and finishing 10th after encountering traffic and being bumped.

Despite this, his trainer remains optimistic about his chances in the Belmont Stakes. “He’s training really well. He worked good. We are really pleased with him,” Gargan said.

The 156th Belmont Stakes (G1) will take place on Saturday, June 8, at Saratoga Race Course. The race has been shortened to 1 ¼ miles from 1 ½ miles due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park and marks the final leg of the Triple Crown.

Training and Recent Performance

Dornoch returned to training at Saratoga after the Derby, preparing for the Belmont Stakes. He showed impressive speed in his workouts, covering a half-mile in 48.48 seconds on May 24 and repeating the distance in 48.68 seconds a week later. These solid training performances indicate he is in top form for the upcoming race.

Career Highlights

Dornoch’s career record stands at 7-3-2-0 with earnings of $552,275. He made his debut last July at Saratoga, finishing second to eventual Preakness winner Seize the Gray. He secured back-to-back Grade 2 wins in the Remsen and Fountain of Youth, earning his place in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. His top Equibase speed figure is 102.

Betting Perspective

With Belmont Stakes odds at 15-1, Dornoch offers an intriguing option for those looking to bet on horses. While his recent performances have been mixed, his strong workouts and pedigree make him a potential contender. Bettors should consider his ability to rebound from challenging trips and his proven capability in Graded Stakes.

Trainer’s Insight

Trainer Danny Gargan, who will have his second Belmont starter with Dornoch, expressed hope for a better outcome this time. “We are hoping,” Gargan said. “We just have to stay focused and get lucky. Hopefully, have a good trip this time.”

Race Details

– Post Position: 6

– Odds: 15-1

– Jockey: Luis Saez

– Trainer: Danny Gargan

– Owners: West Paces Racing, R.A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing, Pine Racing Stables

– Career Record: 7-3-2-0

– Career Earnings: $552,275

– Most Recent Race: Kentucky Derby, May 4 (10th)

– Top Equibase Speed Figure: 102

– Pedigree: Good Magic – Puca, by Big Brown

– Color: Bay

– Running Style: Front-runner

Dornoch, named for the Royal Dornoch Golf Club in Scotland, is co-owned by former MLB outfielder Jayson Werth. Werth, who has transitioned from baseball to horse racing, finds a similar competitive thrill in co-owning racehorses. “It’s the only thing that I can do at this point in my life that has any relevance to what I did for so long,” Werth told the Washington Post. 

With favorable Belmont Stakes odds and a determined trainer, Dornoch could be poised for a strong showing in this year’s final leg of the Triple Crown.