The 156th edition of the Belmont Stakes gets underway on Saturday June 8, 2024. With the race taking place at Saratoga Race course due to construction at Belmont Park, Belmont Stakes prop bets represent some of the greatest value plays on the betting board. An unusual race distance of 1 1/4 mile will undoubtedly lead to a much different style of race than usual in the Run for the Carnations.
2024 Belmont Stakes Prop Bets
Let's dive further into some interest Belmont Stakes prop bets, with all the odds and my best bets.
Belmont Stakes Props - First Quarter/Half Mile
This prop bet is a simple YES or NO prop bet and it is based on the time of the horse leading after the first quarter (two furlongs) of a mile and the first half (four furlongs) of a mile. Odds below are hypothetical, but look for these markets to come out closer to the event.
| Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| OVER 23 Seconds | -140 |
| UNDER 23 Seconds | +200 |
Belmont Stakes -- First Half Mile Time
| Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| OVER 46.5 Seconds | -140 |
| UNDER 46.5 Seconds | +100 |
The best way to judge this prop bet is to look at the racecard and see which horse is likely to set the pace. Handicappers can then check his quarter and half-mile times and make an informed decision as to whether that horse will go over or under the two times above.
Seize the Grey stands out as a speed horse who could look to set the pace like he did during the Preakness. However, with the likes of Sierra Leone and Fierceness returning to the fold, he may aim to keep something in reserve for the final furlongs.
Belmont Stakes - Head-To-Head Matchup
Remember, no Triple Crown race has been won by the same horse in the last five years. That streak could be pushed to six should Mystik Dan and Seize the Grey fail to take up the mantle.
This is a bet that has one foe against the other, and sportsbooks will pit two horses who are close together in the betting odds.
For example, in this 156th running of the Belmont Stakes, we have Kentucky Derby runner-up Sierra Leone as the +175 favorite versus the horse who beat him in the thrilling finish at Churchill Downs, Mystik Dan, at +500 odds.
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Sierra Leone | -170 |
| Mystik Dan | +155 |
As the favorite in the 2024 Belmont Stakes, Sierra Leone is heavily chalked here.
Crucially, when betting a matchup prop it does not matter where these horses finish in the race. Sierra Leone could return the favor and beat Mystik Dan by a nose. If you backed Sierra Leone you win the prop. On the flip side, these horses could come last (unlikely) and next to last. Whomever finishes ahead of the other wins the matchup prop.
Crazy & Strange Belmont Stakes Prop Bets
We’ve covered some of the more mainstream prop bets above, but the sportsbooks like to come up with some truly whacky bets for the novice punter, and we have picked out a couple of very intriguing bets.
| Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| God | +200 |
| The Horse | +250 |
| The Trainer | +250 |
| His/Her Family | +275 |
| Other | +600 |
The Horse has been an excellent wager in recent years as jockey's tend to point to their four-legged friends first. However, as many South American jockeys come from religious backgrounds, there's also a good chance God is the first person mentioned in the winner's circle.
| Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| Odd | -115 |
| Even | -115 |
We'll know more about which side to target here after post positions are announced later this week.
For reference, horses racing from the No. 1 post have won 20% of Belmont Stakes races, followed by the No. 3 post at 13.6%. Winner saddle cloth odd at -115 represents some of the greatest historical betting value on the 2024 Belmont Stakes prop board.
Belmont Stakes - How Long Will It Take To Sing The Race Anthem: New York, New York?
This Frank Sinatra classic is historically sung before the event begins and most sportsbooks will offer odds on how long it will take for the song to be sung. So you can have a wager before the race even begins and use your winnings to back your favorite horse in the Belmont itself.
| Option | Odds |
|---|---|
| OVER 120.5 Seconds | -115 |
| UNDER 120.5 Seconds | -115 |
Explaining Belmont Stakes Prop Bets
Sportsbooks love coming up with a diverse set of Belmont Stakes prop bets. A simple way to explain a prop bet is that it means placing a wager on one of two possible results or outcomes. Instead of just picking the winner, prop bets allow you to wager on specific events during the race.
Many props are designed for serious handicappers and horse racing bettors, while others are more fun and easy way to bet on the Belmont Stakes for the novice and newbie to betting on horse racing.
Prop bets are a lot of fun and easier to understand for novice players than exotic wagers like exacta’s, trifecta’s, and Superfectas.
Whatever bet you place on the big race, make sure to have fun and enjoy the big day on June 8th, 2024.
