The Haiku Handicapper Presented By FanDuel Racing: 2023 Belmont Stakes

Time to analyze the 2023 Belmont Stakes field, in post position order, in the form of Haiku; a Japanese poem of 17 syllables, in three lines of five, seven, and five.

To read previous editions of The Haiku Handicapper, click here.

#1 – Tapit Shoes
Were this a Grade 3
He'd offer tons of value
This spot's a big ask

#2 – Tapit Trice
A son of Tapit
Ran in Derby's upper half
Heard this one before?

#3 – Arcangelo
Late bloomer, like dad
Castellano gets his best
There is value here

#4 – National Treasure
Well-ridden Preakness
Bested a depleted field
Whole new ballgame here

#5 – Il Maracolo
Whalloped in stakes tries
Test of champions? Why not!
Bloodline's all he's got

#6 – Forte
Bad timing, bad press
Has highest talent ceiling
Feels like a bounce risk

#7 – Hit Show
Derby wasn't bad
Not quite a win candidate
But deserves a look

#8 – Angel of Empire
A fine Churchill trip
Gets some rest and new blinkers
Should be live again

#9 – Red Route One
Needs a pace meltdown
Likely won't find it today
Gaining mid-pack run

Prediction
This feels obvious
Like patterns? Bet Tapit Trice.
Eight, three round it out