06222023

Expert Picks: Who Will Win the Belmont Stakes?

Post time: 7:02 p.m. Eastern on Saturday

How to watch: Coverage begins on Fox at 3 p.m. Eastern.

Joe Drape’s win-place-show picks: Arcangelo, Tapit Shoes, Angel of Empire

Melissa Hoppert’s picks: Tapit Trice, Forte, Arcangelo

Here’s how we see the field:

Trainer: Brad Cox Jockey: Jose Ortiz Odds: 20-1

Drape: This long shot may control the speed from the rail. He’s bred for this marathon and rounding into form. Dangerous runner.

Hoppert: His sire, Tapit, has produced four Belmont winners. But this colt, who has won once in five starts, will not add to that haul.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher Jockey: Luis Saez Odds: 3-1

Drape: This race demands a high cruising speed. This colt is a closer who has trouble out of the gate. Short odds, no thanks.

Hoppert: This talented gray son of Tapit got stuck in traffic in the Derby and finished seventh. He has been training well since, and with more room to run, look for his closing kick to be on full display. My pick.

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