Horse Racing Nation expert picks: 2022 Belmont Stakes
The final jewel of the Triple Crown has arrived. Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike will try to match his improved form from five weeks ago in Saturday's Belmont Stakes. Peter Pan (G3) winner We the People attempts to make his mark at the Grade 1 level. Rising stars like Mo Donegal, Nest, and Creative Minister stand in their way.
Below is how the experts at Horse Racing Nation will play the Test of the Champion.
Ed DeRosa, Horse Racing Nation
Winner: #6 Mo Donegal
On the Board: #3 Nest
Longshot I Like: #2 Skippylongstocking
Analysis: Mo Donegal won't have nearly the troubles in the Belmont Stakes as he did in the Kentucky Derby, or at least that's the hope at 5-to-2. Post relief, field size relief, home track relief...it all adds up to him being the most likely winner of the Test of the Champion. I will key him with stablemate Nest and Skippylongstonging.
Sara Elbadwi, Horse Racing Nation
Winner: #5 Creative Minister
On the Board: #6 Mo Donegal
Longshot I Like: #3 Nest
Analysis: Creative Minister has been steadily improving in his short career so far and is more likely to get the trip than shorter prices such as Mo Donegal and Rich Strike. His third in the Preakness shows he belongs from a class perspective and another step forward with a stalking style makes him a player with some value.
Chip Gehrke, Division Rankings
Winner: #4 Rich Strike
On the Board: #6 Mo Donegal
Longshot I Like: #8 Barber Road
Analysis: Rich Strike faces a weaker group here compared to the horses he left behind in Louisville, seems to be thriving in the mornings, and should have no issues with the Belmont distance. Don't be surprised to see him close to the early leaders or even on the early lead. Top choice over a suspect group. Barber Road ran a sneaky good race in the Kentucky Derby and he should relish the 12 furlong distance. Mo Donegal was flattered by Early Voting's Preakness win; the distance is a concern but his class is not.
Jerrod Horak, Today's Best Bet
Winner: #3 Nest
On the Board: #6 Mo Donegal
Longshot I Like: #2 Skippylongstocking
Analysis: Nest clearly owns the best marathon pedigree and her Dosage Profile is almost identical to last year's winner Essential Quality. Todd Pletcher's filly is a Grade 1 winner with tactical speed and should offer a hint of value. Her stablemate Mo Donegal is two-time Grade 2 winner and he defeated quality sophomores Zandon and Early Voting in those wins. Skippylongstocking improved his speed ratings in his last three starts and can hit the board.
Brad Stephens, Horse Racing Nation
Winner: #5 Creative Minister
On the Board: #6 Mo Donegal
Longshot I Like: #2 Skippylongstocking
Analysis: Creative Minister's TimeformUS Speed Figures have steadily improved in each of his four starts. The 123 from his third-place Preakness Stakes finish is the best lifetime figure of any Belmont starter. He also figures to sit near a manageable early pace, making him better positioned than closers like Mo Donegal and Rich Strike.
Rowan Ward, Horse Racing Nation
Winner: #6 Mo Donegal
On the Board: #3 Nest, #1 We the People
Longshot I Like: #8 Barber Road
Analysis: Stoutly-bred Mo Donegal has come from well off the pace in recent starts, but earlier races like the Remsen showed that Irad Ortiz Jr. could get him closer to the pace, and showing that versatility again could get him the right trip. Between Mo Donegal and his stablemate Nest, Todd Pletcher has a pair of horses who ought to stay the Belmont trip well, and Nest is another one who is tractable enough to keep frontrunning We the People in her sights. We the People does have the pace edge, but he must prove his class and the recent form in her female family may offset the sireline stamina. For a longshot underneath in trifectas and superfectas, consistent and pace-versatile Barber Road can bring another good effort.