Over the years, the Belmont Stakes has witnessed several unexpected outcomes that have shocked fans and bettors alike. These upsets, where underdogs triumph over favorites, are what make the event so thrilling and unpredictable. They remind us that in horse racing, anything can happen, no matter the odds or the hype surrounding a particular horse.
In this post, we'll take a closer look at some of the most memorable upsets in Belmont Stakes' history. Check them out here.
Belmont Stakes betting made this upset even more remarkable. War Emblem's bid for the Triple Crown had attracted significant attention, and many bettors were confident in his chances. The unexpected victory by Sarava disrupted these predictions and led to substantial payouts for those who had placed their bets on the underdog.
The upset was a major shock to the racing community. Smarty Jones had been viewed as a near-certainty to break the Triple Crown drought since 1978. Birdstone's victory not only dashed these hopes but also underscored the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where no outcome is ever guaranteed.
Birdstone was trained by Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito and came from a strong racing lineage. He is a son of the 1996 Kentucky Derby winner Grindstone. Despite his pedigree, Birdstone had a modest racing record until his win in the 2004 Belmont Stakes.
Da' Tara's victory was a major shock, particularly given Big Brown's dominance in the earlier Triple Crown races. The upset demonstrated the challenges of the Belmont Stakes, where the longer distance can be a formidable obstacle even for the most talented horses. Big Brown's unexpected defeat was a reminder that the outcome is never certain in horse racing until the finish line is crossed.
Tonalist's victory was a significant upset, as California Chrome had been the clear favorite. The race highlighted the Belmont Stakes' reputation as the most challenging leg of the Triple Crown, where many favorites have fallen short. Tonalist's win was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport and the difficulty of achieving a Triple Crown.
Before the Belmont Stakes, Creator had an inconsistent racing record despite being trained by Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen and owned by WinStar Farm, one of the top Thoroughbred racing stallion and breeding operations in North America. He won the Arkansas Derby but failed to make an impact in the Kentucky Derby.
His victory in the Belmont Stakes demonstrates that even horses with fluctuating performances can achieve greatness on the right day. It was also a reminder of the unpredictable nature of any horse race, where long shots often have a chance to shine.