The 141st Belmont Stakes

First off, I would like to point out that I almost never fall in love with the "hot horse" entering any of these Triple Crown races. I always handicap the races on their own merit and not based on what any of the "wise guys" are saying.

That being said, I really like #6 Charitable Man in the 141st Belmont Stakes. He has two wins already over the Belmont oval in the Grade 2 Peter Pan and the Grade 2 Futurity last September. He posted a career-best Beyer of 100 in that Peter Pan win last time out. His Sire, Lemon Drop Kid, much like Birdstone, was a winner of the Belmont Stakes, so the distance should not be an issue here. I think that #1 Chocolate Candy could be poised for a big effort on Saturday also. He was one of the "hot horses" in the Derby and ran a very credible fifth that day despite some trouble. The only other time that Garrett Gomez rode Chocolate Candy, he was a winner in the Real Quiet Stakes at Hollywood Park in November. Next, I will put the Derby winner and Preakness runner-up, #7 Mine That Bird, with Calvin Borel back in the saddle. If Mine That Bird were to win, it would be a jockey's Triple Crown for Borel with two different horses, something that has never been accomplished before. I am very surprised that #3 Mr. Hot Stuff was so prominent in my handicapping also. He was 15th at 29-1 in the Kentucky Derby. His last two works at Keeneland were bullets. Therein lies the problem, which is that all of Mr. Hot Stuff's good stuff came over artificial surfaces, which Belmont does not have. Finally, I think you need to throw in one of the Lukas trainees, #5 Luv Gov. He only has a maiden-breaking win, but he could sneak in there underneath in your exotic wagers and be a part of the mix. So, here are the wagers for the 141st Belmont Stakes:

$1 EX BOX 1-3-5-6-7 and $1 TRI 6 with 1-3-5-7
TOTAL- $32

Keep in mind that They Are Off does not accept any responsibility for any wagers made in conjunction with these suggestions. That is all they are...suggestions. Tune in again on Monday for a Belmont review. For right now, I am Gone...GOODBYE!