Suddenbreakingnews could make Belmont headlines
Something significant is missing from the Belmont Stakes, even with jockey Kent Desormeaux looking to lead Exaggerator into a highlighted spot in the history books.
There is little buzz about Saturday’s race, and what’s missing is obvious. Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist is out because of a health issue and, unlike a year ago, there is no horse like American Pharoah to generate hype.
“We’ve had quite a few horses go for that Triple Crown in the last 30 years, and there is no opportunity this year, so it’s not going to have the pop,” Wynn Las Vegas race and sports book director John Avello said.
Still, it’s a high-stakes race and a big event for horseplayers. Exaggerator, firing out of the No. 11 post, can become the 12th horse in history to take the Preakness Stakes and Belmont after coming up short in the Derby. Nyquist narrowly beat Exaggerator in the Derby in May.
Exaggerator, the morning-line favorite at 9-5 odds, will be facing a capable lineup of challengers despite Nyquist’s absence.
“I can’t fault the horse, and he’s good enough to win the race,” Avello said. “But I’m not playing him at that price.”
Avello’s pick to win is No. 4 Suddenbreakingnews at 10-1 morning-line odds.
“I bet him in the Derby,” Avello said of Suddenbreakingnews, which finished fifth, 4½ lengths behind Nyquist. “To me, the jockey change to Mike Smith is a huge plus.”
The Belmont field also includes Derby horses Destin (finished sixth), Lani (ninth) and Creator (13th).
Southern California horse handicapper Scott Shapiro (@ScottShap34 on Twitter) said he will bet to beat Exaggerator in the Belmont’s longer 1½-mile race.
“In many Belmonts, it’s just not a good race to take an off-the-pace horse that’s run a lot of races and needs a good trip to get a new distance,” Shapiro said. “While I respect the horse and think he has a big chance, I’m going to take a shot against Exaggerator in this race.
“There’s a new shooter in this race, No. 1 Governor Malibu, that looks like he’s in great form. I think he’s worth a long look.”
Avello said he expects No. 5 Stradivari, at 5-1 morning line, to go off as the second choice.
* Avello’s top four – Suddenbreakingnews, Destin, Exaggerator, Stradivari.
* Shapiro’s top four – Governor Malibu, Creator, Destin, Exaggerator.
Contact sports betting reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow on Twitter: @mattyoumans247