Belmont Stakes has returned, closing out a tumultuous and dramatic Triple Crown season that many will want to put in the rearview mirror.
Brad Cox’s Essential Quality opened up as the 2-1 favorite for the 153rd Belmont Stakes ahead of Preakness Stakes winner Rombauer. Essential Quality, the post-time favorite for the 2021 Kentucky Derby, ran a disappointing fourth for all chalk players.
The race is often referred to as the “Test of the Champion” given that it is the longest of the three Triple Crown races at one and one-half miles. If it's anything like the previous legs of the series, fans are in for a treat.