In a world knocked sideways by the COVID-19 pandemic, it makes sense that the Triple Crown itself would take on a new form in 2020. Normally, the three races that a Triple Crown winner must claim start with the Kentucky Derby, continue with the Preakness Stakes and then conclude with the Belmont Stakes, with the third race the longest of the three. This year, the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness have been postponed, but the Belmont Stakes remains on June 20. Take a quick look at an overview of the changes, as you consider your wagering options for the weekend.
2020 Belmont Stakes Update
The first change that you need to know has to do with the length of this year’s Belmont Stakes. In traditional years, the Belmont Stakes runs 1 ½ miles. This year, though, it will only run 1 1/8 miles for the first time. This decision has been made to help horses ease into the series without injury.
The second change, of course, has to do with the order of the races. This is the first time since the 1930s that the three Triple Crown events have taken place out of their usual order.
The third change has to do with the purse, which has dropped from its usual $1.5 million to $1 million due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
One thing that won’t change is the history of the #1 post position. By far, more Belmont Stakes winners have come from that position from any of the others. We will go into more detail about the Belmont with our Friday race calendar, but here are the post positions and the current odds. Remember, though, that odds can change all the way to the start of the race, depending on where the action falls, and even after you have placed a bet.
Post Horse Current Odds
1 Tap It To Win 6/1
2 Sole Volante 9/2
3 Max Player 15/1
4 Modernist 15/1
5 Farmington Road 15/1
6 Fore Left 30/1
7 Jungle Runner 50/1
8 Tiz The Law 6/5
9 Dr. Post 5/1
10 Pneumatic 8/1
Why is the #1 post position such a benefit at Belmont Park? The style of the track has a role to play, as does the number of horses. Overall, though, 23 horses have won coming out of the #1 position at Belmont. #3 and #5 have each produced 13 winners, and #2 and #7 have produced 11 winners apiece.
It is worth asking, of course, whether this will hold at the shorter distance. Also, note that the prohibitive favorite holds the #8 pole position. The disruption of the horse racing season will also play a role – as does the absence of four horses from the race that would have had favorable odds, had they not suffered from a variety of injuries.
Stay tuned to Jazz Horse Racing for more content about the Belmont Stakes as the week progresses, and make sure to check out all the betting pools and Belmont Stakes odds available at JAZZ Sports.
