The last leg of the Triple Crown runs Saturday with the Belmont Stakes and Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom currently leads the odds, despite losing to Shackleford at the Preakness.
When the line opened on the Belmont, Animal Kingdom was among the three favorites, but now he is the stand-alone favorite. His odds have improved, but Nehro and Shackleford are not too far behind. After some initial health concerns, Shackleford is set to run on Saturday. Mucho Macho Man, Animal Kingdom and Shackleford are the only horses to race in each leg of the Triple Crown this year.
Shackleford opened at 4/1 to win the Belmont, but he is now listed behind Animal Kingdom and Nehro. The line could change as we move closer to race day since Shackleford held off Animal Kingdom’s bid for a Triple Crown win in impressive fashion down the stretch at Pimlico.
Nehro finished second at the Kentucky Derby and should be well rested after sitting out the Preakness. He opened at 4/1 at Belmont Park and his odds have shortened to put him at second in the odds. He was one of the favorites at Churchill Downs and remains a horse to watch this weekend.
Other than that, Mucho Macho Man finished third at the Kentucky Derby but disappointed at the Preakness. Brilliant Speed finished seventh at Churchill Downs.
Belmont Stakes Outright Odds (provided by William Hill)
Animal Kingdom: 9/4
Nehro: 7/2
Shackleford: 5/1
Master of Hounds: 6/1
Mucho Macho Man: 8/1
Santiva: 14/1
Brilliant Speed: 16/1
Prime Cut: 20/1
Stay Thirsty: 20/1
Ruler On Ice: 25/1
Monzon: 33/1
Isn’t He Perfect: 50/1