2016 Belmont Stakes odds: Exaggerator listed as the betting favorite for Belmont on Saturday

For the first time in five attempts, Exaggerator finally vanquished rival Nyquist to hand the Kentucky Derby winner the initial loss of his career in the Preakness Stakes. With Nyquist’s trainers deciding to keep the horse out of the Belmont, Exaggerator will go into the final Triple Crown race as the favorite to win.
Exaggerator is going off in +125 to win the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., in sportsbooks tracked by OddsShark.com. As a nearer that is accustomed to saving energy before the end of the race to make a late kick, Exaggerator’s racing style needs to match well with the menacing 1.5-mile length of the Belmont Stakes.
Early reports indicate that there could be rain as well, which would also work to Exaggerator’s favor as the horse has conducted three of his very best career races, including his win at the Preakness, on wet or sloppy tracks.
Some of Todd Pletcher horses will be expected to be contenders from the Belmont Stakes as Stradivari (+700 to win) and Destin (+900) will attempt to hunt down the favorite.
Stradivari was a popular upset choice in the Preakness, but ended up finishing fourth in that race. Destin ended in sixth place in the Kentucky Derby, but that has been on the heels of a demanding trip that included several lumps from a crowded area. With a cleaner excursion Saturday, Destin could see a better outcome.
The principal question for Exaggerator heading into the Belmont Stakes is whether the betting favorite can handle the extra distance. If the Preakness winner slows down the stretch, two strong closers that may hunt down him are Suddenbreakingnews (+700) and Cherry Wine (+800).
Suddenbreakingnews had a strong late kick in the Kentucky Derby to make a fifth-place finish, and Cherry Wine came from the rear of the bunch to maneuver Nyquist for second place at the Preakness Stakes. With extra track to operate together, these horses may figure into the exotic bets or even pull off an absolutely mad.
Rounding out the Belmont Stakes area are Brody’s Cause (+1400), Governor Malibu (+1400), Lani (+1600), Creator (+1600), Gettysburg (+4000), Seeking the Soul (+4000), Forever d’Oro (+4000), and Trojan Nation (+4000).