Mindframe Surprising at Belmont Stakes

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Mindframe, a colt by Constitution, has been nothing short of spectacular so far. With just two starts, he has secured two wins by a combined margin of 21 1/4 lengths. Trainer Todd Pletcher and co-owner Mike Repole have high hopes for Mindframe, who will make his third start in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.

Mindframe’s dominant performances include breaking his maiden by 13 3/4 lengths on the same day his stablemate Fierceness dominated the GI Florida Derby. He followed that with a 7 1/2-length victory in an allowance optional claimer on GI Kentucky Derby day. Despite his limited experience, Mindframe was made the 7-2 second choice by New York Racing Association linemaker David Aragona.

Betting on Mindframe

For those planning to bet on horses, Mindframe presents underdog status Belmont Stakes odds. Trainer Todd Pletcher and co-owner Mike Repole are confident that Mindframe, despite his inexperience, will make a credible showing in the 1 1/4-mile Belmont. 

Repole stated, “If he wins this race, we might have something really special, something we haven’t seen too many times.” Mindframe will take the ninth pole position with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. on board, making his stakes race debut.

In addition to Mindframe, other notable entries in the Belmont Stakes include horses with significant Graded Stakes experience. Sierra Leone, the 9-5 morning line favorite trained by Chad Brown, narrowly missed winning the Kentucky Derby, losing by a nose to Mystik Dan. 

Brown, who grew up near Saratoga, remains focused and unfazed by the added pressure. “I don’t approach the race any different,” Brown said. “You have to be prepared for anything if you are going to play at the top of any sport.”

The Journey of Fierceness

Meanwhile, Fierceness, the well-beaten favorite in the Kentucky Derby, continues to be a work in progress. Trainer Todd Pletcher decided to skip the Belmont Stakes for Fierceness, aiming instead for the G1 Haskell Invitational S. at Monmouth Park on July 20. 

“He has been brilliant at times,” Pletcher noted, acknowledging the colt’s inconsistency. Owner Mike Repole added, “He is a horse that needs more time between races. We are not giving up on Fierceness.”

The Legacy of D. Wayne Lukas

Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas feels the love as he prepares Preakness winner Seize the Grey for the Belmont Stakes. At 88 years old, Lukas is no stranger to Triple Crown race victories, with 15 under his belt. Seize the Grey, who has shown improvement since the Preakness, will be a key contender in the Belmont.

“My horse has actually gotten better,” Lukas said. “I would not have been afraid to run him last Saturday.”