Study Guide: 2021 Belmont Stakes
Jun 2, 2021
J. Keeler Johnson
Eight horses are set to battle for supremacy in Saturday's $1.5 million Belmont (G1) at Belmont Park, the third and final leg of the Triple Crown. Preakness (G1) winner Rombauer will be joined in the 1 1/2-mile classic by a half-dozen alumni from the Kentucky Derby (G1), including Grade 1 winners Essential Quality, Known Agenda, and Rock Your World.
Bourbonic
Wins: 3
Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche
The first of three entrants conditioned by three-time Belmont-winning trainer Todd Pletcher, Bourbonic produced an eye-catching stretch rally to charge from last place and win the Wood Memorial (G2) at odds of 72-1. But the stoutly bred colt never factored in the Kentucky Derby (G1), finishing 13th, and deep closers tend to be at a disadvantage in the Belmont Stakes. The slow-paced nature of the 1 1/2-mile race tends to favor speed horses instead.