No. 8 Honor Marie 12-1

Honor Marie was a sexy pick in the Kentucky Derby but not many people are talking about the horse entering the Belmont Stakes. I get it, Honor Marie finished a “disappointing” eighth in the Derby then skipped the Preakness. 

The Kentucky Derby finish is misleading though. Honor Marie got knocked around early in the large 20-horse field and was forced to settle back in last place. What stands out to me is despite not getting a great run early, Honor Marie rallied down the stretch to finish eighth. That might not seem impressive but if you watch the race over, there is a lot to like about Honor Marie entering the Belmont Stakes. 

The Belmont is made for late closers and that makes Honor Marie live at 12-1. Similar to the Kentucky Derby, Honor Marie has started in the back of the pack in other races too only to surge down the stretch to finish in the money.