Price Shopping Begins in 2016 Belmont Stakes

While Kentucky Derby runner-up and Preakness winner Exaggerator deserves the heavy favoritism that he is likely to receive – especially in the absence of Nyquist – the Belmont has a way of minimizing a horse’s superiority. Exaggerator has already prove himself faster and simply better than the majority of the field by finishing several lengths ahead of them in previous races, it’s prudent for handicappers to remember that the 1 ½-mile race and cumulative effects of a grueling five-week Triple Crown campaign are no small variables for the colt to overcome. Therefore, it’s not implausible whatsoever for a horse previously well-beaten by Exaggerator to turn the tables in the Belmont.

Suddenbreakingnews improving

Suddenbreakingnews was a sneaky good fifth in the Kentucky Derby and closed with a late rush. While clearly nowhere as good as Exaggerator who finished second and also closed from well off the pace, Suddenbreakingnews seems to be the improving sort who will enjoy the extra distance and should be available at double digit odds. His sire, Afleet Alex, was a runaway winner of the Belmont in 2005.

Lani moving in right direction

Lani is the only runner besides Exaggerator slated to contest all three legs of the Triple Crown. The Japanese-owned and trained colt won the UAE Derby in Dubai in March before finishing ninth in the Kentucky Derby and fifth in the Preakness. The quirky son of Tapit does appear to be improving and his connections have voiced confidence over his works leading up to the Belmont. Expect odds between 14/ 1 and 20/1 in the Belmont.