Updated: Expert projects 2019 Belmont Stakes odds

While Tacitus and War of Will remain the clear top betting choices for the June 8 Belmont Stakes, the addition of Bourbon War to the prospective field “really starts to open up the wagering,” says Horse Racing Nation co-founder Mark Midland.

Midland, who in 1999 created Churchill Downs’ Kentucky Derby Future Wager, has updated his projected morning line odds, leaving Tacitus as a 2-1 favorite and War of Will the 5-2 second choice.

“It becomes difficult to separate the other eight contenders,” he said. “That guarantees a good superfecta payout and possibly the trifecta as well, especially if the top two choices do not complete the exacta. As a handicapper, the real leverage will come if you can figure out which of the eight horses at 8-1 or higher will hit the board.”

Midland installed Bourbon War as a co-third choice at 8-1. While he flopped in the Preakness Stakes, the Mark Hennig trainee is a son of Tapit, who has produced three of the last five Belmont winners, and isn’t too far removed from Gulfstream Park’s Kentucky Derby preps that included Maximum Security and Code of Honor.

“Bourbon War remains an interesting horse off of the key races in Florida,” Midland said. “Putting on blinkers didn't work in the Preakness, but bettors could give him another chance with the equipment back off for the Belmont.”

Master Fencer is the Belmont’s other 8-1 shot, docked a couple of points from original projections given an eventful week for the Derby’s late-running sixth-place horse.

“We are predicting Master Fencer to get bet off his big late run in the Derby,” Midland said. “However, his odd work this week with a stumble in the stretch and subsequent X-rays figure to temper enthusiasm for the Japanese runner.”

All other Belmont contenders are in the double digits, with 2-3 finishers of the local Peter Pan Stakes (G3), Sir Winston and Intrepid Heart, next on the line at 10-1.

Ahead of Tuesday's post position draw, here's a full look at the early Belmont Stakes odds: