Longshot Contenders in the 2011 Belmont Stakes

by Bodog Racebook | Jun 6 2011

Also known as the “Test of the Champion,” the grueling 1 ½ mile Belmont Stakes rounds out the Triple Crown series as the third and final race. This year, much of the focus has been on the rubber match between Kentucky Derby champion Animal Kingdom and Preakness Stakes champion Shackleford. But longshots Stay Thirsty, Santiva and Mucho Macho Man are waiting in the wings for their shot at a Triple Crown race.

A troubled 12th in the Kentucky Derby, Stay Thirsty was unable to overcome a hard brush at the start of the race, yet he finished well. His only win of the year so far has come in the Gr. 3 Gotham Stakes – and even that trip was not ideal. But the Todd Pletcher trainee has a pedigree that suggests a win in the Belmont is not out of his reach: his sire, Bernardini, won the Preakness Stakes and he also has a Belmont Stakes winner and a Triple Crown winner in his bloodlines. Holding a record of 3-1-0-0 on the year, Stay Thirsty has also been training well: a solid 5-furlong breeze at Belmont Park on May 6 was timed in 1:00.45. Javier Castellano will be aboard for the Belmont Stakes.

Despite going winless so far in 2011, Santiva could surprise in the Belmont Stakes. Sixth in the Kentucky Derby, Santiva is an experienced horse with seven career starts; his best finish this year was runner-up in the Gr. 2 Risen Star Stakes. Shaun Bridgmohan will again be tasked with piloting this Giant’s Causeway colt and putting his grinding style to good use in the Belmont Stakes. Trained by Eddie Keanneally, Santiva captured his only win to date with a stalking trip and a long drive, in the Gr. 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes in November.

New shoes and a new rider could be the winning formula for unlucky Mucho Macho Man. Third in the Kentucky Derby, Mucho Macho Man went into the Preakness Stakes with the potential to win. But he lost a shoe during the race (reminiscent of the Gr. 2 Louisiana Derby in which he also lost a shoe) and finished sixth. Trainer Katherine Ritvo has outfitted her charge with new glue-on shoes in order to prevent further equipment mishaps. His rider has also been changed: regular jockey Rajiv Maragh has been replaced by Ramon Dominguez. Mucho Macho Man looked sharp in his June 5 breeze at Belmont Park, going 5 furlongs in a bullet 59.57 and could bounce back in the Belmont Stakes.

Bet on the final Triple Crown race with the Bodog Racebook!