The Belmont Stakes looks set to be one of the most exciting races of the year, with a wide-open feel to the race, which is run over 1 ½ miles. Forte and Angel of Empire head the betting for the race at Belmont Park, but could there be potential value elsewhere in the Belmont Stakes betting market this year?

Hit Show

Brad Cox has a strong hand for the Belmont Stakes this year, as he chases a second win in the race in three additions. Hit Show could be his contender that will be missed in the betting, despite running a strong race at Churchill Downs in the Kentucky Derby. He showed better stamina than most in the closing stages in early May, and was fully deserving a fifth-place finish.

He certainly holds some strong form as a three-year-old, having landed the G3 Withers in commanding fashion from the highly-respected Arctic Arrogance. Hit Show was narrowly denied a second stakes win in the G2 Wood Memorial, as he was beat by long-shot Lord Miles at Aqueduct. But, there is every chance that he could be open to further improvement on this first attempt over 1 ½ miles.

Find more info about Belmont Stakes contenders here: edge.twinspires.com/racing/belmont-stakes/

Arcangelo

Belmont experience is a key factor to consider before making a wager on the Belmont Stakes, with 19 of the winner between 1976 and 1996 having previously run at the track. Few runners boast experience at Belmont Park this year, but Arcangelo does tick that required box.

The three-year-old would certainly create a memorable moment for Jena Antonucci, who is chasing a first Triple Crown win, but while the Peter Pan Stakes win was a solid performance, there is still a negative trend that can’t be overlooked. Only two winners since 1987 have won both the Peter Pan and Belmont Stakes, which only highlights the issue facing Arcangelo. But, he certainly looks one runner that could outrun his odds.

Raise Cain

Raise Cain is always a horse that promises so much, and often runs to a high standard despite failing to pick up many victories. Since December last year, he hasn’t scored a speed rating lower than 85, while each of his previous three starts have hit figures of 97, 93 and 94. On figures alone, that would put the Ben Colebrook runner within the requirements for a top three finish, and a solid draw would certainly enhance his chances further.

The three-year-old finished well to take eighth in the Kentucky Derby, but he will certainly have something to find in Grade 1 company, having also finished outside the top three in the G1 Blue Grass Stakes back in April.

Prove Worthy

A lot of attention will be on the Todd Pletcher runners at the top of the betting, but he could have a solid outsider in the betting that is improving rapidly. Prove Worthy landed a first career success in early May, as he travelled supremely well to land a maiden special weight at Churchill Downs over 1 ¼ miles. That success scored a speed figure of 93, and highlights that the extra distance at Belmont Park could be perfect for him.

That was his first success at his third attempt, as he was held by Perform on his previous start at Tampa Bay Downs. The form could still be strong, as Perform came out and won the Federico Tesio at Laurel, before being hampered badly in the Preakness Stakes before struggling to sixth.