Future Odds Point to Classic Empire in the Belmont

Both Always Dreaming and Cloud Computing are on the bench for the 2017 Belmont Stakes. Classic Empire is the big favorite in the futures to win the Test of Champions. Surprisingly, 4 other horses are listed at under double-digit odds to win at Big Sandy on June 10. Let's take a look at Classic Empire as well as the rest of the equines going off at less than double-digits to win the Belmont.

 

Classic Empire  +200

He had the Preakness Stakes won. Some believe that jockey Julien Leparoux moved to soon. Some believed that Cloud Computing was ready to fire his best. I think there's some truth to both. I'm not ready to say Classic Empire doesn't win the Belmont on June 10. If you think he's a lock, jump on the 2 to 1 odds. He should go off no better than 8/5 considering the rest of his competition.

Senior Investment  +800

Yeah...so, I wrote that the only horse I felt safe leaving out of my Preakness trifecta was Senior Investment. He's not bred to run further than a mile, is what I thought. Was I wrong? Uh...yeah! Senior Investment was awesome in the Preakness. He finished third behind Cloud Computing and Classic Empire.

I know what many horseplayers are thinking, with a bit more ground, he may have caught both of the top two finishers in the Preakness. I'm not so sure. I'm not even sure he's worth a bet at 8 to 1. But, what do I know? He's already proven me wrong once.

Epicharis  +450

The Japanese invader is getting plenty of love. I'm not so sure he deserves all the attention he's getting. I mean, he looked great winning the Hyacinth, the race I've posted here. But, the Hyacinth was less than a mile over dirt. Thunder Snow, who pulled up in the Derby as soon as the gates opened, caught Epicharis in the UAE Derby.

I have no doubt Epicharis is a decent horse. The Belmont is asking a lot.

Lookin at Lee +500

I think Lookin at Lee ran a fine race in the Preakness Stakes. It wasn't nearly as good as his run in the Kentucky Derby. Although I like the horse, the truth is that at 5 to 1, he's a definite play against. I'd expect double-digit odds on Lookin at Lee before jumping on board. The reason is because he just doesn't seem to be more than a clunker upper. I don't believe he's good enough to catch Epicharis, much less catch Classic Empire. I'd consider skipping the Belmont if I were Lookin at Lee's connections.

Tapwrit  +600

Tapwrit might be the horse to back. Todd Pletcher has been successful running a horse in the Derby, skipping the Preakness, and then running back in the Belmont. He won the 2013 Belmont Stakes with Palace Malice. Destin was terrible in the Derby before finishing second in the Belmont last year. The 6 to 1 odds are more than fair.

I think Tapwrit has a huge shot. Don't look past Tapwrit to get the job done at Big Sandy. Team Pletcher could exact revenge after Always Dreaming bounced in the Preakness Stakes.