An inside look at how the 157th Belmont Stakes will shape up:
Jockey: Irad Ortiz
Trainer: Chad Brown
Current form: Was an unimpressive third in the Tampa Bay Derby. But he’s a live long shot now after closing well to win the shorter Peter Pan at Aqueduct.
Worth a wager: Chad Brown winning his first Belmont Stakes only minutes from his hometown makes for a feel-good story. But his stretch runner meets better and will be hard pressed to outkick the Derby/Preakness champs. Fifth.
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Trainer: Bill Mott
Current form: Fast-closing second in the Florida Derby. No one will remember that after his magical run from 16 horses back to get up and win the Kentucky Derby over a sloppy surface.
Worth a wager: He’s back! Bill Mott decided to skip the Preakness (not a popular decision) so the five-week rest will be beneficial. And Junior Alvarado, $62,000 lighter after a whip-abuse fine, is back to ride as well. No matter. Putting him fourth.
Jockey: Mike Smith
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Current form: Finished nearly a dozen lengths behind Journalism in the San Felipe. Bob Baffert shipped him east and he won the Wood Memorial wire-to-wire.
Worth a wager: Slowpoke Rodriguez turned on the speed and never looked back in the Wood. Missed the first two legs of the Triple Crown due to foot issues. Dances with Crudo early. Holds off the big boys under Mike Smith. Winner.
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Current form: Made his stakes debut in the Peter Pan after winning two of three. It didn’t go well. Reported home sixth of seven with no excuses.
Worth a wager: Stretched to nine furlongs in the Peter Pan and didn’t appreciate the additional yardage. Rider change to Luis Saez who won last year’s edition on Dornoch. Mike Repole in the winners circle? Happens more often than not. But we will put him seventh.
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Current form: Loads off a pair of handy seven-length, gate-to-wire victories. The latest in the Sir Barton at Pimlico.
Worth a wager: Figs don’t match up well but Bobby Flay’s colt will cook early, matching strides with Rodriguez. Will be very surprised if he and Johnny V are still around when they turn for home. A tired sixth.
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: John Sheriffs
Current form: Runner up, only 3/4 of a length behind Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby. Followed that up with a fast-closing third behind Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby.
Worth a wager: Has proven he can compete with the best 3-year-olds. Getting better as well. Ran from the back of the pack in the Derby but he’s versatile and Flavien Prat may tap his speed and get the jump on the co-faves. Strong but second.
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Current form: Looked like a winner in the Run for the Roses but he was passed deep stretch by Sovereignty. Rebounded two weeks later to take the Preakness.
Worth a wager: In a word, tough. Tough beat in the Derby then tougher splitting horses in the bumper-car stretch in the Preakness. Short rest to face rival Sovereignty. Beats him, but finishes third.
Jockey: Saffie Osbourne
Trainer: James Osbourne
Current form: Narrowly defeated in the UAE Derby at Meydan. Made U.S. debut in the Preakness and finished a respectable fifth.
Worth a wager: Didn’t know what to expect. Had trouble loading the gate. Picked up the pieces at Pimlico and passed tired horses. Will be just as surprised if he finishes fifth here. Last of eight.