Belmont Stakes Contenders: A Comprehensive Analysis

The upcoming Belmont Stakes promises to be a thrilling contest, featuring a diverse group of talented thoroughbreds. Among the 13 contenders, several standout horses have caught the attention of racing enthusiasts and experts alike. In this analysis, we delve into the strengths, weaknesses, and prospects of each contender, highlighting key takeaways and statistics.

Key Takeaways:

• Paradise Creek, a 5-year-old VA-bred horse trained by William Mott, is the favorite to win after a stunning 8-race winning streak, including victories in the Arlington Million and Washington, D.C. International.
• Hernando, a 4-year-old French-bred colt, has shown significant improvement this year, finishing second in the Arc and finishing his best in a Group 3 race at Deauville.
• Vaudeville, a 3-year-old KY-bred colt, has won two Grade I turf stakes, including the American Derby and Secretariat Stakes, and is known for his front-running style.
• Dahlia's Dreamer, a 5-year-old mare, won the Flower Bowl at Belmont but failed to finish in the E.P. Taylor at Woodbine, making her a potential dark horse.
• White Muzzle, a 4-year-old British-bred colt, has been inconsistent this year, winning the Grand Prix de Deauville but finishing sixth in the Arc and last in the Rothmans.

Statistics:

• Paradise Creek has earned $2,447,513 in his 23 starts.
• Hernando has earned $1,180,989 in his 12 starts.
• Vaudeville has earned $523,000 in his 6 starts.
• Dahlia's Dreamer has earned $329,256 in her 20 starts.
• White Muzzle has earned $1,197,848 in his 16 starts.
• Fraise, a 6-year-old veteran, has earned $2,613,105 in his 32 starts.
• The average earnings per start for the contenders is $734,111.

Sources:

• United Press International INTREPIDITY-GB (Bay filly, 4, by Sadler's Wells-Intrepid Lady, by Bold Ruler)
• Sheikh Mohammad, Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum, and Ron Crockett (owners)
• Andre Fabre and William Mott (trainers)