Exacta Picks For The 2017 Belmont Stakes

When it comes to famous duos or things that just go together, some names come readily to mind. There’s Batman and Robin, Bert and Ernie, Abbott and Costello and of course…peanut butter and jelly. In keeping with the ‘duo’ theme, I’ve already started, I’m going to offer up a pair of expert picks on the quickly approaching 2017 Belmont Stakes that could be more powerful than a Mike Tyson 1-2 finishing combo. With the third and final leg of the annual Triple Crown getting underway this coming weekend, let’s get started with my trio of exacta picks on the top two finishers as well as checking the latest horse racing betting odds here.

Exacta Picks For The 2017 Belmont Stakes

   

2017 Belmont Stakes

Where: Belmont Park, Elmont, New York When: Saturday, June 10 at 5:00 PM ET TV: NBC Inaugurated: 1867 Race Type: Thoroughbred Track: Dirt, Left-handed Qualification: 3-year-old Weight: Colt/Gelding: 126 lbs (57.2 kg) Filly: 121 lbs. (54.9 kg) Purse: US $1 million, 1st $600,000

Number of Horses In Race

The field is limited to 20 horses.

Classic Empire (Ev) and Lookin at Lee (+500)

Classic Empire finished fourth at the Kentucky Derby, but managed to finish second at the Preakness Stakes. Now, Classic Empire is the favorite to win the Belmont Stakes after finishing in the money three times in four starts this year including his win at the Arkansas Derby in April. I also love Lookin at Lee as a +500 pick after he finished second in the Kentucky Derby and fourth at the Preakness Stakes. Personally, I’d play box this exacta because Lookin at Lee could win the Belmont with Classic Empire finishing second.

Irish War Cry (+350) and Tapwrit (+600)

Despite his uninspiring 10th place finish in Kentucky, Irish War Cry has a pair of first place finishes in four starts this year after winning his final two races as a juvenile in 2016. Tapwrit finished sixth in the Kentucky Derby, but should be fresh for the Belmont Stakes after sitting out of the Preakness Stakes. Tapwrit has one first place finish and one second place finish in four starts this year, although he’s finished outside of the money in each of his last two races including the Kentucky Derby. Still this is a pair that could pull off the exacta double!

Epicharis (+400) and Gormley (+800)

Japanese-owned thoroughbred Epicharis is one of the top contenders to win the Belmont Stakes after recording one second place finish and one win in two starts this year, including the UAE Derby in March. Despite finishing ninth in the Kentucky derby, Gormley is a +800 pick to win the Belmont Stakes and it could happen seeing as how this thoroughbred has recorded a pair of first place finishes in four starts this year. While both of the thoroughbreds in this final exacta aren’t exactly what you’d call favorites, both are offering plenty of value for horses that could pull off top two finishes.