As we gear up for the 2024 Belmont Stakes, the excitement is palpable among racing fans and bettors eager to spot the top contenders. The Belmont Stakes, famously dubbed the “Test of the Champion,” is renowned for its long track that tests both the speed and endurance of its participants. However, this year, the temporary transition to the Saratoga Race Course means a 1¼-mile journey compared to the traditional 1½-miles seen at Belmont Park.
In this section, we’ll introduce you to the probable frontrunners for this year’s race. We’ll delve into their pedigrees, past performances, and training highlights, offering a detailed preview that caters to both longtime racing enthusiasts and those new to the sport. Get ready to learn about the standout horses poised to make their mark at the 2024 Belmont Stakes.
Seize the Grey
With a mix of speed and endurance, this horse proves to be a strong competitor as evidenced by his win at the Preakness.
Under the guidance of a skilled trainer, Seize the Grey has mastered maintaining a steady pace and delivering a powerful finish, which is essential for the Saratoga track. If you plan to make an informed wager, consider Seize the Grey.
Its recent wins and solid training make it a top contender for the event, making it a smart choice if you decide to bet on Belmont Stakes online.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone, a stunning three-year-old dark bay and brown colt, has quickly become a prominent name in the racing world. He has claimed victories at well-known tracks like Aqueduct, Fair Grounds, and Keeneland. Among his notable successes are wins in the 2024 Blue Grass Stakes (G1) and the 2024 Risen Star (G2).
Owned by Derrick Smith and a group of five other investors, Sierra Leone’s reputation is well-earned. His debut on Nov. 4 at Aqueduct Racetrack saw him recover from a stumble at the start to win a maiden special weight event over 1 mile, finishing strongly under jockey Manuel Franco.
This colt’s impressive track record and consistent performance make him a horse to watch in the upcoming Belmont Stakes. He figures to be the betting favorite alongside Fierceness on June 8.
Fierceness
Fierceness, the favorite at the Kentucky Derby, stands out as a top contender for the Belmont Stakes. As the champion of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), his heritage boasts three generations of Repole Stable representatives on his maternal side. Both his parents’ lineage is marked by the influence of Todd Pletcher, a Hall of Fame trainer.
Descended from the illustrious City of Light, who won multiple Grade 1 races and amassed $5.6 million in earnings, Fierceness has the pedigree of a champion. Though City of Light had an impressive career, he notably struggled only once at the 1¼-mile distance. This blend of strength and speed prepares Fierceness for the challenge of the Belmont’s demanding track.
Antiquarian
Antiquarian is quickly becoming a favorite among racing fans and analysts. Known for his strong performance on the track and impressive heritage, he stands out as a top contender for this year’s Belmont Stakes.
Coming from a lineage of champions, Antiquarian has a genetic edge that can’t be ignored. His pedigree is a major reason for his growing recognition as a potential winner in this prestigious race.
Honor Marie
Honor Marie, a descendant of the renowned Honor Code, showcases a strong lineage and impressive build. His ancestry includes runners from Dame Marie, a notable contender in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile.
Known for his endurance, Honor Marie faced a tough beginning in the Kentucky Derby but made a strong comeback to finish eighth. In the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby, he also rallied from behind and narrowly missed first place, highlighting his resilience and competitive spirit.
Mystik Dan
Mystic Dan, winner of the Kentucky Derby (G1), is set to run in the Belmont Stakes on June 8 at Saratoga. Trainer Kenny McPeek entered him after a strong workout on June 1. With Mystik Dan competing, his stablemate Thorpedo Anna, who won the Kentucky Oaks (G1), will stay in the fillies’ division and race in the Acorn Stakes on June 7.
Mystik Dan is making history by being the first horse since Max Player (Honor Code) in 2020 to run in all three traditional Triple Crown races. Max Player had the advantage, however, of a different schedule due to COVID-19, while before that, War of Will last completed the series in its regular five-week span in 2019.
Thorpedo Anna
Thorpedo Anna, the daughter of Fast Anna, has already made significant history this year with her thrilling victory in the Kentucky Oaks. Trainer Kenny McPeek had a remarkable weekend at Churchill Downs, capturing both the Oaks with Thorpedo Anna and the Kentucky Derby with Mystik Dan.
This accomplishment marked the first time since 1952 that a trainer secured the Oaks/Derby double. Thorpedo Anna has maintained her competitive edge with three impressive workouts since her Oaks win. On May 22, she dazzled with a half-mile run in 46.20 seconds at Churchill Downs, followed by a five-furlong session clocked at 1:02.09 at Saratoga’s Oklahoma dirt training track.
Although McPeek considered entering her in the Belmont Stakes, he ultimately chose not to, focusing instead on Mystik Dan’s participation in the race.
