The 2016 Belmont Stakes was shaping up to be a showdown between Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist and Preakness Stakes winner Exaggerator. The latter had handed the former his first career loss on Saturday at Pimlico, and the June 11 race in New York would only further than growing rivalry between them.
Belmont odds 2016: Exaggerator heavy favorite after Nyquist drops out
Exaggerator is a near-even favorite in the third race of the Triple Crown season.
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Exaggerator was favored slightly when Bovada announced its early odds for the event. And then news came Tuesday morning that Nyquist would skip the Belmont after suffering from a fever and high white blood cell count following the Preakness.
Trainer Doug O’Neill hopes to have Nyquist back in competition at Saratoga in July or August, but by then the chase to see who the best 3-year-old colt is could be wide open.
That leaves Exaggerator a near-even favorite at 11-10 to win the Belmont, while Derby contender Suddenbreakingnews followed at 13-2. Cherry Wine, who finished second in the Preakness 3-1/2 lengths behind Exaggerator, and Stradivari, who finished four lengths back.
Lani, the only horse beside Exaggerator set to race in all three Triple Crown events, has 12-1 odds. Lani finished ninth in the Kentucky Derby and fifth at the Preakness.
The 1-1/2 mile Belmont will be held approximately 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, June 11.
Belmont Stakes - Odds to Win
Exaggerator 11-10
Suddenbreakingnews 13-2
Cherry Wine 15-2
Stradivari
Destin
Brody's Cause 12-1
Lani
Unified
Creator
Via Bovada
* * *
Desormeaux brothers thrilled with Exaggerator’s win
See More:
