Belmont best bets: How to approach betting the Belmont Stakes

A half-century after Secretariat set race records that still stand, the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes will take place on the same oval in Elmont, New York. This edition boasts a strong field of accomplished three-year-olds … but Big Red’s winning margin of 31 lengths is probably safe.

Following Thursday’s suspension of racing due to air-quality issues caused by the Canadian wildfires, conditions have improved and Belmont Park has returned to action. The mile-and-a-half “Test of the Champion” appears to be a go, and barring any scratches like those that preceded the first two jewels of the Triple Crown, nine horses are set to compete. Savvy bettors will want to give careful consideration to the following:

The formidable favorite: No. 6 Forte (5-2 on the morning line)

The winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last November and the Florida Derby on April 1, Forte was favored in the Kentucky Derby until a hoof bruise forced him to be scratched on the morning of the race. Jockey Irad Ortiz will again be aboard, as he has been for all previous starts. The impact of the long layoff is Saturday’s biggest question.

The chalky challenger: No. 2 Tapit Trice (3-1)

One of two Belmont horses carrying dominant sire Tapit’s legendary name, Tapit Trice has the distinct gray coat of his daddy. He finished a disappointing seventh in the Run for the Roses, but he’ll relish the sweeping turns and longer distance of the Belmont track. Jockey Luis Saez looks to guide him to victory for the fourth time in five tries.

The appealing alternative: No. 8 Angel of Empire (7-2)

Having inherited Derby favoritism after the scratch of Forte, Angel of Empire rallied from near the back of the pack to finish third. His performance earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 104, which is easily the highest among the Belmont entrants. Blinkers are being added for this race, and jockey Flavien Prat is likely to have him more forwardly placed.

The live longshot: No. 7 Hit Show (10-1)

The fifth-place finisher in the 18-horse Derby, Hit Show persisted late after getting involved in the blistering early pace. He figures to be far less compromised with more moderate fractions, and his pedigree suggests that the distance won’t be a problem. Jockey Manny Franco has had the mount for all four of the colt’s races this year.

Wagering wisdom

An obvious omission above is the Preakness winner, No. 4 National Treasure. The long stretch will make it difficult for him to hold off all challengers, but he and the improving No. 3 Arcangelo deserve inclusion on some tickets. With the uncertainty surrounding Forte, the two other favorites look like the horses to key on top of trifectas and superfectas.