As the anticipation mounts for the 2024 Belmont Stakes, both racing fans and bettors are keen to spot the horses that are expected to shine in this notable event. Dubbed the “Test of the Champion,” the Belmont Stakes is renowned for its challenging track that requires both speed and endurance from its competitors. However, this year, unlike past years, is a bit less grueling given the temporary move to Saratoga while Belmont Park is under renovation.
In the following sections, we will present the leading contenders for this year’s race, offering details on their lineage, previous race performances, and key training moments.
Seize the Grey
Seize the Grey stands out as a strong contender for the upcoming Belmont Stakes following his Preakness victory. Known for its blend of speed and stamina, this horse has shown remarkable consistency on the track, making it a favorite among racing enthusiasts.
With a stellar pedigree featuring some of the sport’s most successful racehorses, Seize the Grey is built to compete against the best competition. The horse’s training regimen, led by a seasoned trainer, focuses on maintaining a steady pace and delivering a powerful finish, vital for the 1-1/4 mile Saratoga track.
If you’re looking to place a smart bet on Belmont 2024, Seize the Grey is a solid pick. Using platforms like FanDuel can give you the edge you need to make a well-informed wager on this exceptional horse.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone, a striking dark bay and brown colt, has quickly made a name for himself with wins at major tracks like Aqueduct, Fair Grounds, and Keeneland. His impressive record includes victories in the 2024 Blue Grass Stakes (G1) and the 2024 Risen Star (G2). At the Kentucky Derby, he lost in a photo finish to Mystik Dan.
Owned by Derrick Smith and five other investors, Sierra Leone’s career began with a notable debut at Aqueduct Racetrack. Despite a stumble at the start, he won the maiden special weight event, finishing strong with jockey Manuel Franco. His speed and resilience make him a strong contender for the Belmont Stakes.
Fierceness
Fierceness is a top contender for the Belmont Stakes, having claimed victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). This horse boasts an impressive lineage from three generations of Repole Stable on the maternal side and legendary trainer Todd Pletcher’s influence on both sides.
Descended from the exceptional racehorse City of Light, who won four Grade 1 races and earned $5.6 million, Fierceness has a pedigree built for success. City of Light’s notable wins include the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) and the 2019 Pegasus World Cup (G1).
Fierceness went into the Kentucky Derby as the favorite but faded down the backstretch after using up too much speed early to get ahead of a crowded pack. His consistent top-two finishes combined with a smaller field at the Belmont highlight the potential of Fierceness to excel on the Belmont track.
Antiquarian
Antiquarian is gaining attention as the Belmont Stakes approach. This horse has a powerful performance and an impressive history.
Antiquarian comes from a strong lineage of champions, which gives him a genetic edge. His pedigree is one of the key aspects that makes him a top contender for this year’s race.
The Wine Steward
The Wine Steward has emerged as a formidable contender for the 2024 Belmont Stakes. He began his career on a strong note, winning his first three races. His debut at Belmont Park on May 28, 2023, was marked by a commanding six-length victory.
Last July, he won the Bashford Manor Stakes at Ellis Park by 2-3/4 lengths. His momentum continued at Saratoga on August 27, where he triumphed in the Funny Cide Stakes, overcoming a slow start to win against other New York Thoroughbreds.
Honor Marie
Honor Marie, the descendant of the champion Honor Code, has a distinguished lineage. His robust physique suggests he’s built for endurance, making him a significant threat in the Belmont Stakes.
Despite a rough start in the Kentucky Derby, he managed to finish strong, taking eighth place. In the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby, he also showed resilience, coming from behind to narrowly miss victory by a length.
West Saratoga
West Saratoga began her racing career at Keeneland on April 7, 2023. She needed five races to secure her first win on August 5 at Ellis Park, winning a one-mile dirt race by 1 1/4 lengths.
Her performance improved in longer races, leading to participation in the Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs.
Despite being a 12-1 longshot, she came from mid-pack to win the race by 1 3/4 lengths with a final time of 1:37.28 for the mile.
Mystik Dan
The Kentucky Derby winner is expected to run in the Belmont Stakes, although trainer Kenny McPeek will monitor his horse during the week after having run both the Derby and Preakness. Given Saratoga’s track is the same length as Churchill Downs and the field contains some of the same horses, Mystik Dan should find a comfort zone at the Belmont Stakes.
