Post Position: #8
Probable Odds: 7-2
Record: 7 Starts, 4 Wins, 1 Second, 1 Third
Lifetime Earnings: $1,369,375
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Brad Cox
Sire: Classic Empire
Dam: Armony’s Angel (To Honor and Serve)
Angel of Empire Preview & Analysis
Angel of Empire is slotted for the eighth position in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes. Just seven horses have won the Belmont Stakes from the eighth position. Angel of Empire is another entry from trainer Brad Cox and will be ridden by jockey Flavien Prat. Angel of Empire has 7-2 odds to win the Belmont Stakes and is one of the favorites heading into Saturday.
He has been in the money in all four races it entered this year, including two first-place finishes. In his career, he has finished in the money in six of the seven races with four wins. Jockey Flavien Prat will be making his third start at Belmont Stakes with one second-place finish to his credit. Prat will be looking to win the only Triple Crown race that has eluded him in his career.
He’s third in earnings thus far this year and he’s finished in the top five in four out of the last five years. Prat was caught last year while riding We the People after leading down the stretch at Belmont. Can he time his close better on Saturday?
How Can Angel of Empire win the Belmont Stakes?
He’s the best closer in the field by far, however a one run closer usually doesn’t win the Belmont Stakes historically. Angel of Empire ran a fast closing third in the Kentucky Derby, after closing strong to win both the Arkansas Derby and the Risen Star at Oaklawn this Spring.
He’ll have to find a way to sit a little closer to the pace as like we’ve mentioned, it’s historically tough to come from way back in the Belmont, though it has been done before. Very interesting horse this weekend, as his pedigree suggests the distance won’t be an issue. It’s just a matter of can he change his running style just a bit in the “test of champions”.
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More Belmont Stakes Horse Profiles & Predictions
Tapit Shoes
Tapit Shoes has already gotten off to a good start at the Belmont Stakes by drawing the first position in the race. In the history of the Belmont Stakes, the #1 position has won the most times of any other position, 24 times.
Tapit Trice
In four starts this year, Tapit Trice has three wins. Unfortunately, the Kentucky Derby was the lone time he was out of money. Tapit Trice finished a disappointing 7th at the Derby before sitting out the Preakness.
Arcangelo
This will be Arcangelo’s first start in a Triple Crown race. Trainer Antonucci has just two career-graded stakes wins in her career.
National Treasure
The #4 position at the Belmont Stakes went to Preakness winner National Treasure, trained by legendary trainer Bob Baffert. Horses have won the Belmont Stakes 10 times out of the fourth position.
Il Miracolo
Tied for the second-highest position to win the Belmont, the #5 position went to Il Miracolo in Tuesday’s draw. 15 times a horse has won the Belmont out of the #5 position. Il Miracolo has the longest odds on the board at 30-1.
Forte
Finally, Forte makes his long-awaited debut in a Triple Crown race this year. Expected to contend at the Kentucky Derby, Forte was a late scratch and then sat out the Preakness. Forte is the favorite to win the Belmont Stakes at 5-2 out of the sixth position.
Hit Show
Hit Show drew the 7th position in Tuesday’s draw, a position that has won the Belmont Stakes 14 times in the race’s history. Hit Show is another of trainer Brad Cox’s entrees and will be ridden by one of the top jockeys this year Manny Franco.
Red Route One
Red Route One will be on the far outside at the Belmont Stakes, drawing the 9th position on Saturday. Only four horses in the history of the Belmont Stakes have won the race from the 9th spot. Red Route One was a late scratch from the Kentucky Derby and took a fourth-place finish at the Preakness.