The field for Belmont Stakes betting added another horse as Dave in Dixie is expected to be in Saturday’s race.
The horse finished second in the Robert Lewis Stakes, sixth in the San Felipe, and fifth in the Illinois Derby. He could end up being the longest shot in Belmont Stakes odds.
Belmont Stakes betting could have a field of 11 horses. Dave in Dixie will have double-digit odds but he does have a quality jockey in Calvin Borel who won the Kentucky Derby aboard Super Saver. If Borel wins aboard Dave in Dixie it would be a major upset but owner Dawn Thrash wanted to take a shot. The horse worked a mile recently at Hollywood Park in 1:39.60. It was the fourth workout for the horse since he finished fifth in the Illinois Derby back in early April. Dave in Dixie won at Del Mar last August but has lost four races since that win.
The favorite in Belmont Stakes betting is going to be Ice Box. The horse finished second in the Kentucky Derby and is coming into this race very well. He worked four furlongs at Saratoga in 46.65. Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito is very pleased with how Ice Box is doing. Zito will also be sending Fly Down in the Belmont and he could be a factor. In fact, he might end up being the second choice in Belmont Stakes odds.
Last year there was no Triple Crown on the line and Summer Bird came from nowhere to win the Belmont Stakes. He was no fluke though as he went on to win the Travers and the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Could a horse come from nowhere and win this year’s race? Ice Box was second in the Derby and First Dude was second in the Preakness. Both of those horses could use the Belmont as a springboard to the rest of the season. Fly Down could also be a horse to watch as he was very impressive in his win in the Dwyer Stakes. Even a long shot like Uptowncharlybrown could make his mark in the race. The last time there was no Derby or Preakness winner in the race was in 2006 when Uptowncharlybrown’s trainer Kiaran McLaughlin won with Jazil.
It is looking like a field of 11 for Saturday’s Belmont. In addition to Ice Box, First Dude, Fly Down and Uptowncharlybrown, it will be Game On Dude, Stately Victor, Dave in Dixie, Drosselmeyer, Make Music for Me, Spangled Star and Stay Put.