2018 Belmont Stakes Contenders

Gambling911.com has your 2018 Belmont Stakes betting odds and likely contenders for this June 9 race, which could feature a rare Triple Crown winner in Justify. SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE

BELMONT STAKES 2018 ODDS

BELMONT STAKES 2018 CONTENDERS

Justify - What more can we say?  He'll have some steep competition here and a lot of fresh legs going up against him, hence the relatively competitive early odds of -145.  Justify won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, both in the slop.

Bandua - He is a perfect 2-for-2 in his career but has raced in relative obscurity, winning a pair of 1 ¼-mile races on turf at Cork Racecourse in Ireland.  His trainer did win the 1990 Belmont Stakes with Go And Go.  This horse will have fresh legs for Saturday’s race.

Blended Citizen - After ten tries, the consistent closer broke through with his first win on dirt in the May 12 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park.  This will be the first Belmont trainer Doub O'Neill, as well as for owners Greg Hall and SAYJAY Racing.  O'Neill's I'll Have Another was instilled as the 2012 Belmont Stakes favorite only to be withdrawn the day prior due to health issues.

Bravaso - Finished 6th in the Kentucky Derby and nearly beat Justify in the Preakness Stakes so he cannot be overlooked here. The relatively short odds of just over 7/1 display this.

Free Drop Billy - He finished 16th in this year's Kentucky Derby, which was likely a result of the mud.  He amassed a Grade 1 win in the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity as well as two runner-up finishes in graded stakes at Saratoga.

Gronkowsky - Named after Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots (now a part owner), an infection resulted in his withdrawal from this year’s Kentucky Derby.  He has won his last four starts in England, all on synthetic surfaces but faces a much tougher field here.

Hofburg - Finishing 2nd in the Florida Derby, Hofburg came in 7th at this year's Kentucky Derby. 

Just Whistle - This colt has put together three straight solid starts during his 3-year-old season after racing only once last year at two.  There is some good pedigree here including American Pharoah. 

Noble Indy - He's back.  Noble Indy scored back-to-back wins at Gulfstream Park to start his career last winter and then finished third in the Risen Star Stakes Presented by Lamarque Ford.  He finished 17th in this year's Kentucky Derby after starting from one of the worst post positions.

Restoring Hope - Another of the fresh legs racing in Saturday's Belmont Stakes.  He's trained by Bob Baffert.  He finished 12th on a sloppy track in the Pat Day Mile Stakes Presented by LG and E and KU, but finished in the money in his four prior races.

Seahenge - Has had trouble racing on the dirt.

Tenfold - A 3rd place finish in this year's Preakness Stakes in the mud makes this horse a top contender.

Vino Rosso - He’s a closer who will require a fast pace in front that is unlikely to happen in this year’s Belmont Stakes.

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com