Belmont Stakes 2024: Field of 10 Set

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The stage is set for the 2024 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, with ten contenders ready to compete. The post positions were drawn Monday afternoon, changing the Belmont Stakes Odds and building anticipation for Saturday’s race. 

The draw, alongside the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap, was hosted at Universal Preservation Hall in downtown Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 

A new stage for the competition

The 2024 Belmont Stakes will take place at Saratoga Race Course due to extensive renovations at Belmont Park. These renovations include replacing the grandstand and all three racecourses, putting Belmont Park out of commission temporarily.

The race will be part of a special session at Saratoga from June 6-9, 2024, and will feature 23 stakes races, culminating with the Belmont Stakes on June 8. 

Top Contenders and Their Journeys

Sierra Leone, the Kentucky Derby runner-up, is anticipated to be the morning-line favorite. Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Flavien Prat, this son of Gun Runner boasts a strong record, including a win in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes.

Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan will also compete, with Brian Hernandez Jr. in the saddle once again. Trained by Kenny McPeek, this Goldencents colt finished second by 2 1/4 lengths in the Preakness Stakes, showcasing his potential to dominate the Belmont and earning another golden victory.

Preakness Stakes winner Seize the Gray is another strong contender. Trained by D. Wayne Lukas and ridden by Jaime Torres, this Arrogate colt also secured victory in the Pat Day Mile.

Resilience, trained by William I. Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, finished sixth in the Kentucky Derby. This son of Into Mischief aims to improve his performance in the Belmont.

Dornoch, who finished tenth in the Kentucky Derby, will be ridden by Luis Saez and trained by Danny Gargan. This Good Magic colt has been showing steady improvement.

Honor Marie, trained by D. Whitworth Beckman and ridden by Florent Geroux, finished eighth in the Kentucky Derby. This Honor Code colt will look to redeem himself in the Belmont.

Peter Pan Stakes Top Finishers

The top three finishers in the Peter Pan Stakes are also part of the Belmont field. Antiquarian, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velazquez, won the Peter Pan and aims to continue his winning streak.

Another Pletcher trainee, The Wine Steward, finished second in the Peter Pan. Ridden by Manuel Franco, this Vino Rosso colt shows promise despite not having a graded stakes win yet.

Protective, third in the Peter Pan, is another Pletcher entry. This Medaglia d’Oro colt will be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, aiming to build on his recent performances.

Mindframe, the third Pletcher entry, is the only one in the field without graded stakes experience. This Constitution colt, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., won his debut at Gulfstream and an optional claiming allowance on the Kentucky Derby undercard, showing potential for a strong performance.

What to expect? 

If you’re looking to bet on horses, the Belmont Stakes 2024 promises to be an exciting race with a mix of seasoned contenders and rising stars. The draw will be crucial in determining race strategies and potential outcomes, so stay tuned to BUSR’s graded stakes odds after they’re set. 

Sierra Leone, as the morning-line favorite, faces strong competition from Mystik Dan and Seize the Gray. Those are the top 3 ranked horses with 7.90, 7.98, and 7.87 respectively. Resilience, Dornoch, and Honor Marie will be closely watched, especially given their Kentucky Derby experiences, any could surprise at any time.