Belmont Sprint – 2023 - Back A Winner

2023 Belmont Sprint Race Details

Race 8 at Belmont Racecourse on Saturday 13th May 2023.

The Belmont Sprint is a Group 3 race held at Belmont racecourse over 1400 metres. It is for horses two-years-old and upwards and is run under weight-for-age conditions. The total prizemoney is $200,000 this year.

You can read more about the race history, lead-up races and past winners on the Belmont Sprint page.

Belmont Sprint 2023 Preview

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

There are 13 runners for the Belmont Sprint this year with 11 geldings, one stallion and one mare. There is one 3YO, three 4YOs, two 5YOs, five 6YOs and two 7YOs. Five runners had their last start in the Group 3 Northam Stakes over 1300m at Northam on 30 April while the rest all came via different races. Two runners are sired by Playing God and two by Universal Ruler.

The betting is fairly open and the early favourite is Red Can Man who came 2nd in this race last year. Second favourite is three-year-old Bustler who comes off a good win over 1400m at Ascot. Third favourite is Dom To Shoot who won the Northam Stakes last outing. The Velvet Queen has had a 13 week break after winning the Ascot Mile in February. Resortman has a great record at this track, while Comfort Me finished 3rd in the Northam Stakes. The other runners are currently $12 or more.

2023 Belmont Sprint Runner by Runner

1. Red Can Man (12)

This 6YO came 2nd in this race last year and has an excellent record at Belmont. He has placed in 3 of 4 starts this preparation and was beaten less than a length when 3rd in the Northam Stakes last start. Strong claims.

2. Comfort Me (7)

One of 2 runners sired by Playing God in this race (the other is Bustler). He finished 2nd in the Northam Stakes and has won 3 from 4 at this track and distance combination. Blinkers come off and he is one of the main hopes.

3. Dom To Shoot (6)

Came from last to win the Northam Stakes last outing with a great ride from William Pike who partners him again. Fitter now and is a winning chance again.

4. Resortman (1)

He has a great record at this track with 4 wins and 2 places from 8 starts. Drawn perfectly and should run well.

5. No Apology (9)

Has been runner-up at his last 4 races – all at Listed level. He’s had a 5 week let-up and is having his first run for trainer Lucy Fiore. Can surprise.

6. Startrade (10)

This 6YO ran 5th in The Joey second-up and has a solid record at this track. Place chance.

7. Kaptain Kaos (3)

Resuming after a 23 week spell. He was disappointing last campaign, so prefer to see.

8. Minsk Moment (11)

First-up from an 18 week spell. Won 2 of 3 races at Ascot at the end of last preparation after changing trainers from Chris Waller to Adam Durrant. Goes well first-up and looks to have a chance.

9. Notorious One (2)

Resuming from a 21 week spell and has 5 wins and 2 places from 12 races at this track. Disappointed last campaign and prefer to see.

10. Staralign (13)

One of 2 runners sired by Universal Ruler (the other is The Velvet Queen). Was slowly away and held-up at times when 5th in the Northam Stakes last start. Has the speed to overcome drawing the widest barrier but has a poor record at Belmont. Prefer others.

11. Let’s Galahvant (5)

Ran last in the Northam Stakes after peaking at the 175m when second-up. He’s better than that so don’t dismiss.

12. Bustler (8)

This Playing God 3YO has won 5 of his 9 starts and was a last-start winner over 1400m at Ascot. The last time a 3YO won this race was in 1987, but I think Bustler is good enough to do it. My top pick.

13. The Velvet Queen (4)

The only mare in the race this year. She has had a 13 week break after winning the Ascot Mile in February and has never been out of a place on this track. Always a danger.