Belmont Stakes Contender: Honor Marie
On Saturday, June 8, the Saratoga Race Course will feature the 156th Belmont Stakes (G1). The race has been reduced to 1 ¼ miles, down from 1 ½ miles, due to Belmont Park’s rebuilding efforts and serves as the final chapter of the Triple Crown. Among the contenders is Honor Marie, trained by Whit Beckman and ridden by Florent Geroux.
Honor Marie
Honor Marie had a rough trip in the Kentucky Derby, finishing eighth after being jostled and caught in traffic early in the race. Trainer Whit Beckman noted that their chance was significantly hindered right from the start, but the horse has recovered well and is ready for the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga.
Honor Marie skipped the Preakness Stakes in favor of the Belmont Stakes, aiming to prove his potential in this challenging race.
Betting Analysis
For those planning to bet on horses, Honor Marie offers intriguing Belmont Stakes odds at 12-1. While his speed figures may not be exceptional, his potential to improve and strong closing ability make him a horse to watch.
Trainer Beckman remains optimistic, stating, “With fewer horses in the Belmont, I feel like this horse is a very good closer and can run with the best 3-year-olds in the country.”
Despite not having secured a win in his last three starts, Honor Marie’s performances in Graded Stakes demonstrate his ability to compete at high levels. His career record stands at 6-2-2-0, with career earnings of $526,175. Although winning the Belmont might be a tall order, his potential to place makes him an interesting contender.
Race Details
– Post Position: 8
– Odds: 12-1
– Jockey: Florent Geroux
– Trainer: Whit Beckman
– Owners: Ribble Farms, Michael Eisenman, Earl Silver, Kenneth Fishbein, Dave Fishbein
– Career Record: 6-2-2-0
– Career Earnings: $526,175
– Most Recent Race: Kentucky Derby, May 4 (8th)
– Top Equibase Speed Figure: 98
– Pedigree: Honor Code – Dame Marie, by Smart Strike
– Color: Bay
– Running Style: Deep closer
Honor Marie’s connections have faced their share of challenges, including a change in jockey due to an injury and Beckman’s health issues. Despite these setbacks, the team remains hopeful for a strong performance in the Belmont Stakes. The talented Florent Geroux replaces jockey Ben Curtis, bringing experience and skill to the ride.
Honor Marie emerges as a contender with potential despite his previous setbacks. His strong closing ability and the strategic decision to skip the Preakness make him an interesting and rested option for those considering taking on an underdog. With Belmont Stakes odds at 12-1 and demonstrated capability, Honor Marie could shock racing enthusiasts.
| PP | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seize The Grey | Jaime Torres | D. Wayne Lukas | MyRacehorse | 8-1 |
| 2 | Resilience | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott | Emily Bushnell & Ric Waldman | 10-1 |
| 3 | Mystik Dan | Brian Hernandez, Jr. | Kenneth McPeek | Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing LLC & Daniel Hamby III | 5-1 |
| 4 | The Wine Steward | Manny Franco | Mike Maker | Paradise Farms Corp. and Staudacher, David | 15-1 |
| 5 | Antiquarian | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | Centennial Farms | 12-1 |
| 6 | Dornoch | Luis Saez | Danny Gargan | West Paces Racing LLC, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding LLC, Two Eight Racing LLC & Pine Racing Stable | 15-1 |
| 7 | Protective | Tyler Gaffalione | Todd Pletcher | Repole Stable | 20-1 |
| 8 | Honor Marie | Florent Geroux | Whit Beckman | Ribble Farms LLC | 12-1 |
| 9 | Sierra Leone | Flavien Prat | Chad Brown | Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B., Smith, Derrick, Westerberg, Rocket Ship Racing, LLC and Brant, Peter M. | 9-5 |
| 10 | Mindframe | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Todd Pletcher | Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables LLC | 7-2 |