Classic Empire Odds of Winning Belmont Stakes – Payout Near 2-1

Classic Empire, the 4th place finisher at this year’s Kentucky Derby and 2^nd place finisher at the Preakness, was coming in at 2-1 odds of winning the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes but has since been scratched.  The new favorite and updated odds are available here.

The winner of the Arkansas Derby, there were early concerns about Classic Empire and his inconsistency coming into this year's Triple Crown races.

“I’ve never once counted him out,” trainer Mark Casse said heading into his solid performance at the Preakness, in which he fell to 2^nd in the final seconds. “I know a lot of people have. I feel that ability-wise, he is the most talented horse out there right now.”    

While Casse said he was looking great in early workouts, it was determined on Wednesday that Classic Empire's foot abscess had returned.  He was therefore pulled from Saturday's race.

Updated odds will be available here

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com