Betting on the Belmont Stakes

The 4th most popular horse race in North America, the Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the American Triple Crown and takes place each June in Elmont, NY. The first 2 races in the series typically attract a larger audience, but this last one determines which horse, if any, will earn the elusive title of Triple Crown champion.

Only 11 winners have been crowned since the Stakes' inception in the early 1900s. It has been more than 30 years since Affirmed won the event in 1978, so the excitement surrounding it is growing intensely. The US Triple Crown is open to 3-year-old thoroughbreds and consists of 3 separate races, the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the final leg at Belmont Park. Contenders must win all 3 consecutively to receive the Triple Crown trophy.

The race at Belmont is the oldest in the Triple Crown series. It began in 1867 and was held at New York's Jerome Park Racetrack until 1890. Morris Park Racecourse, also in New York, hosted the event for the next 15 years until Belmont Park opened in 1905. This competition, often referred to as the "Test of the Champion", is the longest leg of the Triple Crown, covering a total of 1.5 miles. There have been 21 horses to win the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, but only 11 have went on to finish first at Belmont as well.

In the United States, the Triple Crown is open to both male and female equines. A filly has never won the entire series, but 3 female equines have been draped with the blanket of white carnations at the Belmont Stakes finish line. Ruthless won it back in 1867, followed by Tanya in 1905, and Rags to Riches more recently in 2007. Julie Krone was the first female jockey to win a Triple Crown event when she and her horse, Colonial Affair, won the Belmont in 1993.

In the past, the only way to place wagers on the Triple Crown series was to visit the track in person and make a bet. Since none of the events are held at the same track, the average person would rarely have an opportunity to gamble on all 3 segments. Online horse racing has completely changed that, allowing fans to wager on each leg of the Triple Crown, as well as other popular competitions, without having to leave the comfort of their living room. Betting options are available through most reputable sportsbooks and often include lines for a variety of sports contests around the world.

Whether you're betting on all 3 competitions or just placing your money on the winner of the Belmont Stakes, you will want to keep up with all the Triple Crown events, paying special attention to the leaders in the first 2 contests. This final leg of the thoroughbred championship could generate a big profit, especially if the 12th Triple Crown winner is finally named.