Who Is the Biggest Longshot to Win Belmont Stakes? (Best Dark Horse Picks)

The 154th running of the Belmont Stakes will take place this Saturday, June 11, at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y and there is plenty of intrigue even though there won’t be a Triple Crown winner this year. 

Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike will race in the Belmont after opting to skip the Preakness, and the horse currently has 9/2 (+450) odds to win. 

You can find the full race preview here, but what about a longshot bet to make? After all, Rich Strike did win the Derby at 80/1 odds, the longest in the field. 

Here’s who is the biggest longshot in the Belmont Stakes as well as the best dark horse pick to make: 

Who Is the Biggest Longshot to Win Belmont Stakes?

Western River is the biggest longshot to win the Belmont Stakes at 33/1 odds. Kuchar had previously held this spot before withdrawing from the race. 

Western River only has three career runs, and will be ridden by jockey Luis Saez. Despite that, Western River has finished in the top-10 in all three of its career races. 

Despite the long odds, I don’t think Western River is the best longshot to take at the Belmont given the lack of experience. 

Best Dark Horse Pick for Belmont Stakes

My favorite longshot pick for the Belmont Stakes is Barber Road at 14/1 odds. 

Barber Road will be ridden by jockey Joel Rosario, who has two career wins at the Belmont Stakes to his name. In addition to the win, Rosario has found himself in the top three on four other occasions at Belmont Park. 

In nine career starts, Barber Road has two wins and four second place finishes. Given Rosario’s performance at the Belmont and Barber Road’s solid resume, I’m surprised the odds are this long for the Belmont.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.