There is a lot for sportsbook followers to discuss. Rafael Nadal in French Open betting. LeBron James in basketball betting. Now, Rachel Alexandra before the Belmont Stakes odds. What's the deal with the big names getting knocked out -- or, in Rachel Alexandra's case, pulling out -- of the big events? Rachel Alexandra, the super filly who won the Preakness, "needs a vacation" according to co-owner Jess Jackson, so she won't be running in Belmont betting. After four graded stakes races -- all wins -- I suppose she does need a rest.
Naturally, the rest of the Belmont odds field wins big with Rachel Alexandra's departure, and none more than Mine That Bird, the Kentucky Derby winner and Rachel's greatest competition. Let's look at Mine That Bird's chances plus a few other horses to consider this weekend.
Mine That Bird - The Top Contender
Mine That Bird couldn't have much more going for him. His top rival is gone from the race, but he would've been my pick to win the Belmont odds even if Rachel Alexandra was still running. Mine That Bird is an off-the-pace runner who tends to creep up on the field late. The Kentucky Derby odds, a longer track, gave him the time he needed while the shorter Preakness (13/16) cut his push short; he was closing on Rachel Alexandra but ran out of room. The Belmont Stakes track is the longest of the three Triple Crown sites, meaning he'll have time to make his push down the stretch. He also gets his main jockey back. Calivin Borel rode him in the Kentucky Derby, then Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness; he'll mount Mine That Bird and try to win the elusive jockey's Triple Crown. Considering how many factors go in his favor, Mine That Bird has to be the top racebook pick by a fair margin.
Charitable Man - the Challenger
Too bored of picking favorites but too scared to go for the boom/bust pick? Well, Charitable Man could be the horse for you. He's fresh off a win at Belmont Park in which he impressed those betting online with his 3 3/4 length score. He seems to be gaining momentum at the racebook the same way Rachel Alexandra did entering the Preakness.
Miner's Escape - the Sleeper
Owner Robert LaPenta and trainer Nick Zito, a Hall-of-Fame tandem, certainly know what they're doing in Belmont Stakes betting. Last year, their horse Da' Tara beat Big Brown to steal the Belmont Stakes odds as a 36-to-1 underdog. Can they repeat the magic with Miner's Escape? He won his last race, the Frederico Tesio Stakes, so he's at the top of his game heading into the weekend. Don't forget about this guy if you wager on sports this weekend.
Naturally, the rest of the Belmont odds field wins big with Rachel Alexandra's departure, and none more than Mine That Bird, the Kentucky Derby winner and Rachel's greatest competition. Let's look at Mine That Bird's chances plus a few other horses to consider this weekend.
Mine That Bird - The Top Contender
Mine That Bird couldn't have much more going for him. His top rival is gone from the race, but he would've been my pick to win the Belmont odds even if Rachel Alexandra was still running. Mine That Bird is an off-the-pace runner who tends to creep up on the field late. The Kentucky Derby odds, a longer track, gave him the time he needed while the shorter Preakness (13/16) cut his push short; he was closing on Rachel Alexandra but ran out of room. The Belmont Stakes track is the longest of the three Triple Crown sites, meaning he'll have time to make his push down the stretch. He also gets his main jockey back. Calivin Borel rode him in the Kentucky Derby, then Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness; he'll mount Mine That Bird and try to win the elusive jockey's Triple Crown. Considering how many factors go in his favor, Mine That Bird has to be the top racebook pick by a fair margin.
Charitable Man - the Challenger
Too bored of picking favorites but too scared to go for the boom/bust pick? Well, Charitable Man could be the horse for you. He's fresh off a win at Belmont Park in which he impressed those betting online with his 3 3/4 length score. He seems to be gaining momentum at the racebook the same way Rachel Alexandra did entering the Preakness.
Miner's Escape - the Sleeper
Owner Robert LaPenta and trainer Nick Zito, a Hall-of-Fame tandem, certainly know what they're doing in Belmont Stakes betting. Last year, their horse Da' Tara beat Big Brown to steal the Belmont Stakes odds as a 36-to-1 underdog. Can they repeat the magic with Miner's Escape? He won his last race, the Frederico Tesio Stakes, so he's at the top of his game heading into the weekend. Don't forget about this guy if you wager on sports this weekend.
