Michelle Yu's Guide to the 2016 Belmont Stakes
**FIND OUR 2017 BELMONT STAKES PREVIEW HERE**We asked our VIP Manager Michelle Yu for her thoughts on Saturday's third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes from Belmont Park in Elmont, NY. The race has a post time of 6.37pm ET. The race will be shown live on NBC, with many of the undercard races also shown on NBC and NBC Sports from 3pm ET. You can also watch the race live on our website or iPhone App.
New players to BetAmerica receive a 100% bonus on top of their first deposit up to $300 and can bet the Belmont Stakes easily online or via the BetAmerica iPhone App.
| Post | Horse | Odds | Jockey | Michelle's Thoughts |
|---|
 | Governor Malibu | 12-1 | Joel Rosaio | A runner up try in the Peter Pan last out sent this Cement trainee straight to the Belmont. Has been impressing in the mornings with his physical presence and is going to be the "wise guy" play in here so I anticipate shorter odds. |
 | Destin | 6-1 | Javier Castellano | While his stablemate is getting all the attention its Destin that is the two time graded stakes winner. Todd Pletcher tried to bring him to the Derby off a massive layoff and he looked like he needed the race. Has the right running style to deliver here. |
 | Cherry Wine | 8-1 | Corey Lanerie | That secnod place finish in the Preakness looks good on paper but I think he was passing tired horses rather than pouring it on. He's a pass for me! |
 | Suddenbreakingnews | 10-1 | Mike Smith | Loved him in the Derby and I still like him now. He had a ton of trouble in the Derby and was still able to use his kick at the end. Has just been in maintenance mode but does have fresh legs to beat the favorite. Not in love with his pedigree or running style for the Test of Champions but i'm solid on this bandwagon for a piece. |
 | Stradivari | 5-1 | Johnny Velazquez | Disappointed in the Preakness after being very rank early. It will be interesting to see what tactics they employ here with a confirmed front runner in Gettysburg. I think its's time to step back from Stradivari and let him prove himself before we crown him. |
 | Gettysburg | 30-1 | Paco Lopez | Entered as a "rabbit" for late running Creator I expect to see him on the front as long as he can be (which I don't think will be very long at all). |
 | Seeking the Soul | 30-1 | Florent Geroux | Maiden winner going a mile last out, even the addition of Florent Geroux isn't enough to tempt me here. Pass. |
 | Forever D'Oro | 30-1 | Jose Ortiz | His mama upset the Kentucky Oaks at huge odds and his pedigree says "I fit!" but his race record leaves me dubious. Dallas has had some longshots run well in the Preakness but his Belmont record isn't great. On the plus side, he DID win at Belmont and Big Sandy can be a tough surface. |
 | Trojan Nation | 30-1 | Aaron Gryder | The maiden shows up again after an as expected sub par performance in the Derby. This is the spot of his best finish (runner up in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial) but I don't think he has the class to win here but if you are playing on strictly pedigrees this is your horse. |
 | Lani | 20-1 | Yutake Take | The Japanese import will be the only horse to run in all three Triple Crown races besides Exaggerator. His quirky antics are well documented but it seems he is enjoying life in the Big Apple. His trainer even said if he could do it all over he would prep at Belmont for Derby. He seems to be figuring it out, his jockey is a raceriding genius and the distance seems to be up his alley based on his training. He's a must use for me across the board. |
 | Exaggerator | 9-5 | Kent Desormeaux | Despite the controversy surrounding his rider and a less than stellar workout according to clockers, this colt has always brought his A game and I don't think he will be forgetting it Saturday. He might not win but he will be top 3. |
 | Brodys Cause | 20-1 | Luis Saez | The Keeneland specialist needs to try and be closer if he wants a shot here. I think he is kind of a plodder and will need every advantage to win. |
 | Creator | 10-1 | Irad Ortiz | The Arkansas Derby winner has been ultra popular with new owners buying into him every week.He gets a rabbit to run at and seems to be training forwardly. To win he will need to maximize Gettysburg by being within striking range and getting a clean trip. As large as he is I would be happy with an outside trip to keep the momentum. He takes a bit to get into gear. A horse that has the ability to win but needs to make it happen he is a use for me on exotic tickets. |
Michelle's Verdict
The Test of Champions might indeed be a test of handicapping. I know Exaggerator will hit the board I just don't know if he is going to win. I suggest using him with your favorite longshots to try and clean up.
