2009 Belmont Stakes Predictions

The fine folks at BetUS.com not only offered their 2009 Belmont Stakes predictions, they also provided us with a forecast of where the line will move as we inch closer to race time. 

We like the later since BetUS.com hasn't exactly been all that accurate with their horse racing predictions these past few weeks.

Just days ago, they were offering favorite Mine That Bird at -150 odds and suggested waiting since they believed the line would come down.  This is exactly what occurred. 

Mine That Bird was listed with Even odds as of press time early Friday morning.

We here at Gambling911.com tend to go along with their 2009 Belmont Stakes prediction on Mine That Bird, especially with Calvin Borel riding him.

"Mine That Bird showed in the Preakness Stakes that he definitely has what it takes to win the Belmont.  Not only that but he gets what might be a favorable race set up, was sired by a former Belmont Champion, Birdstone, and gets the services of Calvin Borel, who rode him in his Kentucky Derby victory.  How will he do?  He'll probably win."

We also agree with BetUS.com on their assertion that Dunkirk will have longer odds than the opening 3/1 come race time.  Already, BetUS.com has moved Dunkirk to 4/1 or +400 odds. 

"I just don't see horseplayers jumping on board after that Kentucky Derby performance," observes D.S. Williamson of BetUS.

If you're looking to bet Charitable Man, bet him now, says Williamson.

"Charitable Man figures to be the speed of the Belmont Stakes.  He won't necessarily have to be on the lead, but he figures to be close to it and no doubt will be Mine That Bird's target, and Dunkirk's perhaps, to run down for the victory.  He too is lightly raced, but unlike Dunkirk, he was sired by a Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid, and has won over the Belmont surface as he took down the Belmont Stakes prep, the Peter Pan, about a month ago.

"Charitable Man could become the horse that gamblers jump on in place of putting money on Mine That Bird.  If that happens, then Charitable Man goes off at no worse than 2 to 1 in this race."

Of their 2009 Belmont Stakes Predictions, the biggest upset pick would have to be Mr. Hot Stuff, who BetUS.com had listed at +2200 odds.

"The son of Tiznow has every right to improve in the Belmont Stakes this Saturday.  If there is one horse that figures to be difficult to not wager on right now in the sportsbook, it's Mr. Hot Stuff.  



"Why?  Because his form says that he should be ready for a top effort. Although like Chocolate Candy in this race, Mr. Hot Stuff did most of his work on the Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita, his breeding suggests that he almost certainly will improve on the dirt.  His Kentucky Derby was terrible, like Chocolate Candy's, but his work tab has been better than that of his rivals going into the Belmont and his ability to run close enough to the pace to not get caught behind a wall of horses means that he might be an underlay in the Belmont Stakes."

This will be interesting.

Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com