Belmont Opening Odds
The 2009 Belmont Stakes will be held Saturday, June 6 at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York and oddsmakers have released the opening odds for this year’s race.
The field hasn’t been officially set yet, but that hasn’t stopped oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.COM from establishing Mine That Bird as a 4/3 favorite to win the 141st running of the Belmont Stakes.
Mine That Bird won the 2009 Kentucky Derby and finished second to Rachel Alexandra in the 2009 Preakness Stakes. Mine That Bird became the clear favorite once Rachel Alexandra’s owners decided not to run the filly at the Belmont because of fatigue and a demanding 2009 schedule.
Opposing Mine That Bird is a couple of mid-range favorites to keep an eye on, including Dunkirk and Charitable Man. Dunkirk is currently listed at 9/2 to win, while Charitable Man is 10/3 to win. Chocolate Candy, who raced against Mine That Bird in this year’s Kentucky Derby, is currently a long shot at 10/1.
Along with Rachel Alexandra, other top competitors Frisan Fire and Pioneerof The Nile are noticeably absent from the Belmont field. Both horses were considered favorites in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, but it looks like neither will run on June 6 at Belmont Park.
One of the most intriguing storylines in this year’s Belmont is jockey Calvin Borel, who will be competing for his own version of the Triple Crown. Borel won the Kentucky Derby riding Mine That Bird, then hopped over to Rachel Alexandra and ride her to victory at the Preakness Stakes. Now that Rachel Alexandra has officially been deemed out of the Belmont, Borel will switch back to Mine That Bird and look to win the third and final leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.
The 141st running of the Belmont Stakes will take place on Saturday June 6, 2009 at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. For a complete list of the opening odds, see below and for more general information, be sure to check out our Belmont Stakes Viewing Guide.
Odds to win 2009 Belmont Stakes – Saturday, June 6 – Belmont Park – Elmont, New York
Mine That Bird 4/3
Dunkirk 9/2
Charitable Man 10/3
Chocolate Candy 10/1
Flying Private 15/1
Mr Hot Stuff 15/1
Brave Victory 20/1
Miners Escape 20/1
Summer Bird 12/1
Luv Gov 25/1
Posted: 6/1/09 10:20PM ET
Updated: 6/4/09 10:20PM ET