Belmont Stakes 2023: Picks and predictions from the experts

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Experts from The Post and Action Network handicap Saturday's 155th running of the Belmont Stakes. Post time is approximately 7:02 p.m.

New York Post racing handicapper

1. Forte: The 50th anniversary of Secretariat's thrilling 31-length victory in the Belmont Stakes. I was all of 12 years old, watching it on our portable-antenna-dependent television.

My dad wanted to make it interesting.

So we bet 25 cents. He gave me Secretariat. He took the other five horses knowing full well what was about to unfold.

Though Big Red finished the race in a different area code than his rivals, the well-rested Forte should outkick the stretch runners and catch the speedy Preakness winner National Treasure.

2. Tapit Trice: Our Kentucky Derby pick missed the break as usual then picked off a few tired rivals to finish an uneventful seventh.

I was expecting better.

The Bluegrass winner took the middle leg off and moves to the "Test of Champions" off five-weeks’ rest.

No traffic, no excuses this time even if he breaks last of nine. But we believe Todd Pletcher's other horse, Forte, will be stronger down the lane.

3. National Treasure: Speed kills and jockey John Velazquez took full advantage of the lack of it in the Preakness. Broke alertly, got away with a soft half mile and had plenty left at speed-friendly Pimlico.

Should take early heat from Tapit Shoes and Il Miracolo, but after he shakes them off he will have the tough task of holding off a cavalry of quality closers.

$400 sign up bonus with code NYPRACING

Create your new wagering account with TwinSpires.com and earn a $400 sign up bonus! Must use promo code on registration to be eligible. Valid for one use per household. $400 bonus cash will be credited in increments of $100 for every $400 wagered. To earn the full $400 bonus players must wager $1600 within 30 days of creating a TwinSpires account. Completed wagers mean that the race has run and the results are official. This sign up offer cannot be combined with any other registration bonus offer. Certain exclusions apply.

Get a $20 No Sweat First Bet for The Kentucky Derby!

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800)-327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or Text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ and reside in CO, IL, IN, LA, MD, MA, MI, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, WY. Offer valid on first Derby win wager. Verified FD Racing account required. Refund issued in non-withdrawable Racing site credit that expires on 6/12/23. Restrictions apply. See terms at racing.fanduel.com. Offer not available in AZ, CT, IA, KS, NJ, or TN. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MI, OH, PA, IL, VA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), visit http://www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit http://www.1800gambler.net (WV).

Action Network racing handicapper

1. Arcangelo: Just like we saw out of Mage in the Kentucky Derby, Arcangelo looks to be a late-developing horse that is peaking at the exact right time.

After coming up short in his first two races, Arcangelo has won his past two, including the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park.

2. National Treasure: You want horses that are forwardly placed in the Belmont and National Treasure is likely going to be at the front of the pack right out of the gates.

He has the potential to stay there.

3. Forte: The injury may be a concern, but the fact that Forte was installed as the morning-line favorite tells you the bruised foot should be fine for this race.

Forte has done nothing wrong to this point in his career, so it's hard to envision the New York horse coming up completely empty at Big Sandy.

Action Network senior editor

1. Tapit Trice: Fell way off the pace in the Kentucky Derby before closing hard to finish seventh.

His style is a good fit for the longer Belmont, assuming he gets a better ride this time out and stays closer to the speed horses down the stretch.

Trainer Todd Pletcher has won the Belmont four times. I’ll call for a fifth win with Tapit Trice.

2. Angel of Empire: The Brad Cox horse finished strong in the Kentucky Derby to claim third.

Angel of Empire beat a competitive field in the Arkansas Derby by four lengths and should be fresh after skipping the Preakness.

He’ll be there in the end.

3. Hit Show: Sat out the Preakness with an eye on the Belmont.

He easily won the Withers, lost by a nose in the Wood Memorial, and ran a strong race in the Kentucky Derby before finishing fifth.

If you are looking for a horse at longer odds to throw in exotic wagers Saturday, Hit Show is my recommendation.