Belmont Stakes 2021: Predicting the full order of finish

Going into the Kentucky Derby, it appeared Rock Your World would be dangerous if he made the lead and Essential Quality and Hot Rod Charlie would be good bets to show up with honest performances underneath.

Essential Quality and Hot Rod Charlie did just that, running solid races, while each losing by a length or less.

While Rock Your World was nowhere to be seen at the finish, that race should have done little to shake the confidence of those that liked him going into the Derby. The speedy son of Candy Ride was completely eliminated when squeezed back at the start and was flattered when Medina Spirit, who he defeated easily in the Santa Anita Derby, crossed the finish line first in the Kentucky Derby.

   >>> Bet the Belmont & Get $25 FREE from NYRABets! <<<

With less speed signed on in the Belmont Stakes, Rock Your World could get his redemption on Saturday and take the field all the way.

Below we analyze the 2021 Belmont Stakes, ranking the field of eight from first to last, with post positions in morning line odds in parenthesis.

1. Rock Your World (No. 7, 9-2): He was the fastest horse on figures going into the Kentucky Derby and has suddenly been forgotten about after a disastrous journey on the First Saturday in May. He should make the lead from a nice outside draw in here and will prove to be dangerous without dirt kicked in his face. This may be the last time to get this kind of value on the runner who could prove to be the most talented horse in this crop.

2. Essential Quality (No.2, 2-1): Despite his perfect record going into the Derby there were questions if the son of Tapit was fast enough to win. He actually ran the fastest figure of his career while suffering his first loss. The top class runner easily defeated Preakness Stakes winner Rombauer in the Blue Grass and is the safest bet in the field to complete the exacta.

3. Hot Rod Charlie (No. 4, 7-2): Doug O'Neill's colt is an honest as they come. He has never loss by more than a length in five starts with blinkers. He should sit a good tracking trip in this spot and is a strong contender to fill out exactas or trifectas. 

4. Known Agenda (No. 6, 6-1): The Florida Derby winner did not have the easiest of trips in the Kentucky Derby from the rail. He should thrive at this distance and Todd Pletcher claims his colt is doing better than ever. He seems to be a step below the very best in this division, but he should be respected underneath. 

5. Rombauer (No. 3, 3-1): His Preakness win was solid, but he did receive a perfect setup that day. His prior form was simply not good enough to compete with many of these and it seems unlikely that he will be able to replicate that performance three weeks later at a much shorter price. Count jockey Flavien Prat among those who believe Hot Rod Charlie is a stronger contender.

6. Bourbonic (No. 1, 15-1): There is a steep drop off after the top five runners in this year's Belmont Stakes. The shocking Wood Memorial winner looks like a one hit wonder and it would be surprising to see him make an impact.

7. Overtook (No. 8, 20-1): Adds blinkers, but his first two career races with the shades were actually his worst. His third-place finish in the Peter Pan Stakes, which may be the best effort of his career, is not good enough to contend.

8. France Go de Ina (No. 5, 30-1): The Japanese import disappointed in the UAE Derby and the Preakness and seems out of his element at this level of competition. He will likely press the lead before fading to the back of the pack.