Derby winner Rich Strike early third choice in Belmont Stakes

Jun 07, 2022 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Rich Strike will attempt to win two of this
season's three classics on Saturday when he lines up against seven others in the
$1.5 million Belmont S. (G1) at Belmont Park.

Trained by Eric Reed and ridden by Sonny Leon, Rich Strike pulled off the
biggest upset in the modern history of the Derby when scoring at odds of 80-1 on
May 7. Connections purposely passed on the second leg of the Triple Crown, the
Preakness (G1), but have a fresh horse on their hands for Saturday's grueling 1
1/2-mile journey.

Rich Strike was installed as the 7-2 third choice on the Belmont morning
line. He will attempt to become the first horse since Thunder Gulch in 1995 to
win the Derby and Belmont without either starting or winning the Preakness.

Installed as the 2-1 favorite for the Belmont is Triple Crown series newcomer
We the People, who registered an emphatic victory in the May 14 Peter Pan
(G3) at Belmont. We the People is the potential controlling speed and will break
from post 1.

Trainer Todd Pletcher sends out Mo Donegal and Nest in an
attempt to win the Belmont for the fourth time. Wood Memorial (G1) winner Mo
Donegal finished fifth in the Derby after making a wide rally at the same time
Rich Strike saved ground and drove up the inside to victory. Mo Donegal is the
early 5-2 second choice.

Nest, a filly, captured the Ashland (G1) in April before finishing second in
the Kentucky Oaks (G1) last time. Her sire, Curlin, finished second in the 2007
Belmont to Rags to Riches, a Pletcher-trained filly who broke a century-long
drought for fillies in the 'Test of the Champion.'

Completing the Belmont field are Creative Minister, third in the
Preakness; Barber Road, sixth in the Kentucky Derby when last seen;
Skippylongstocking, fifth in the Preakness last out; and Golden Glider,
a distant second in the Peter Pan to We the People.

Post time for the Belmont will be 6:45 p.m. ET. It can be watched and wagered
on at TwinSpires.com.