2018 Belmont Stakes one-liners

The history-making 2018 Triple Crown trail will come to its final destination in the 150th running of the Belmont S. (G1). Whether it culminates in a blaze of glory or an anticlimax, we’ll long remember how a chestnut meteor by the name of Justify rewrote the record book in the Triple Crown’s first two jewels.

So to complete the series of Kentucky Derby (G1) one-liners and Preakness (G1) one-liners, let’s roll them out for the Belmont, once more in post position order:

#1 JUSTIFY: Best horse in the race will sweep the Triple Crown unless he beats himself. 

#2 FREE DROP BILLY: Last win in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) seems a lifetime ago, and stoutly-bred colt hopes that the 1 1/2-mile distance sparks a revival.

#3 BRAVAZO: Preakness near-misser has to carry his form forward versus a deeper field.

#4 HOFBURG: Florida Derby (G1) runner-up and troubled seventh in the Kentucky Derby has the pedigree but must still step up to win one.

#5 RESTORING HOPE: Justify’s stablemate and Wood Memorial (G2) third gets a pass for his Pat Day Mile (G3) flop in the slop but looks overmatched on paper.

#6 GRONKOWSKI: Winner of the inaugural European Road to the Kentucky Derby on synthetic surfaces missed Churchill due to illness and debuts in a tough spot for Chad Brown.

#7 TENFOLD: Preakness third has the pedigree but late developer might not have reached his peak yet.

#8 VINO ROSSO: Wood Memorial winner and belated ninth in the Derby has long shaped as the type to excel in the Belmont Stakes.

#9 NOBLE INDY: Game Louisiana Derby (G2) winner, never involved in the Kentucky Derby slop in 17th, figures to keep Justify honest early. 

#10 BLENDED CITIZEN: Peter Pan (G3) winner, who earlier missed out as a Kentucky Derby also-eligible, enters in fine form but has something to prove at the top level.

For details on the Belmont contenders, see the free Brisnet PPs, and don’t miss the free Belmont Betting Guide with wagering strategy and expert picks.

Justify photo by Bob Newell/Horsephotos.com