Belmont Stakes 2017 Betting Preview: Epicharis Lame in Foot?

Daily Racing Form’s Matt Bernier handicaps the Belmont Stakes as well as several other graded stakes races on the Friday and Saturday Belmont cards.  LIVE ODDS AVAILABLE HERE

Classic Empire was scratched just ahead of Wednesday’s post position draw. 

Irish War Cry is now the favorite but Bernier questions whether the “good” Irish War Cry shows up Saturday afternoon.

He’s not exactly high on Epicharis either (currently at 3-1 odds).

“Now what’s the problem with Epicharis?,” Bernier asks.  “He had that tough defeat in the UAE Derby at the hands of Thunder Snow.”

Epicharis had been ahead throughout that race and probably should have won.

Bernier’s biggest concern with Epicharis involves the release of vet records Wednesday night.

It turns out he was treated with an anti inflammatory drug because he could be lame in his right front foot. 

Odds to win 2017 Belmont Stakes (6/10/17)

Epicharis 3/1

Irish War Cry 7/2

Lookin at Lee 5/1

Tapwrit 6/1

Gormley 8/1

Multiplier 12/1

Patch 12/1

Senior Investment 12/1

J Boys Echo 15/1

Meantime 15/1

Hollywood Handsome 20/1

Twisted Tom 20/1

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com