2023 Belmont Stakes Picks, Best Bets & Predictions For Belmont Park

Bookies.com handicapper Adam Thompson has crushed the first two legs of the Triple Crown - the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. 

Thompson just missed on a big payday for the Derby but crushed six of the seven other races that Saturday and nailed a massive 42/1 Exacta Box on Friday to finish up huge on the weekend. 

Then came the Preakness, in which he hit on both the Exacta and Trifecta for another massive weekend payday. Now he has set his sights on the 2023 Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown. The nine-horse field goes to post at 7:02 p.m. EDT. 

2023 Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park

At 1.5 miles in length, the Belmont Stakes is far longer than the other two Triple Crown legs. Pace and stamina are both important. That favors some horses more than others. In a field that includes six horses at 10/1 or lower, any edge will be needed in what should be a competitive race. 

FORTE (#6, 5-2 morning line odds) is the pick to win the race on . The Kentucky Derby favorite was scratched on the morning of that race. Forte hasn’t run this distance which is a concern, but he’s also won five straight races, all high-stakes events. 

Forte must fight through a 10-week layoff and halted training schedule, but this was the early favorite to win 2023 Triple Crown races back in winter and spring. Now is the time for Forte to meet expectations. 

Two other horses will be part of an exacta on the board. 

NATIONAL TREASURE (#4, 5-1) won the Preakness Stakes, though that his only stakes race victory. Every other event he’s finished 2nd-4th, including third at the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, won by Forte. 

ANGEL OF EMPIRE (#8, 7-2) took third at the Kentucky Derby, and the only two horses to finish in front of him aren’t in the Belmont Stakes. Angel has improved his speed rating in every career race. There’s little reason to believe he won’t be another top-three contender again. 

We’re adding two more horses on exotics, playing a Trifecta that banks on Forte winning a narrow race. 

TAPIT TRICE (#2, 3-1) had won four races in a row before a disappointing ninth at the Derby. Traffic in the 20-horse field could have been the issue, but it won’t be a problem here. ARCANGELO (#3, 8-1) has shown promise and growth. He’s won the last two races, but neither has had the speed or field of the Belmont. 

Here’s how we’re betting the race and every race at Belmont Park on Saturday. You can lay out your bet at  and on their sports betting app.

2023 Belmont Stakes Picks

To Win: #6 

Exacta Box: 4,6,8

Trifecta 6: with 2,3,4,8 with 2,3,4,8

2023 Belmont Park Saturday Picks

RACE 1: #9 To Win 

RACE 2: #4 To Win; Exacta Box 1,4

RACE 3: #4 To Win

RACE 4: Exacta Box 1,3,5

RACE 5: #1 To Win; Exacta 1 with 2,3,7,8; Trifecta 1 with 2,3,7,8 with ALL

RACE 6: #5 To Win

RACE 7: Exacta Box 2,4,6

RACE 8: Exacta Box 3,4,13

RACE 9: Exacta Box 8,11,12

RACE 10: #6 To Win; Trifecta Box 1,3,6,7

RACE 11: Exacta Box 5,6,8

RACE 12 (Belmont Stakes): #6 To Win; Exacta Box: 4,6,8; Trifecta 6 with 2,3,4,8 with 2,3,4,8