Belmont Stakes Contender Profile: Crudo

HORSE RACING
June 5, 2025

Belmont Stakes Odds and Contenders

Crudo: Pedigree Sleeper Could Shock the 2025 Belmont Stakes

 

The 2025 Belmont Stakes, odds are set for June 7 at Saratoga, promises a dramatic conclusion to the Triple Crown season. With stars like Preakness winner Journalism and Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty in the field, bettors are lining up to back familiar names.

But if you’re searching for value, don’t overlook Crudo, a 15-1 longshot with a world-class pedigree, proven stamina, and the potential to capitalize when favorites falter.

For those looking to bet on Belmont form as a foundation, Crudo may seem like an afterthought. But when you dig deeper into bloodlines, past performance, and how this race might unfold, Crudo becomes an intriguing play, especially for those studying Belmont Stakes odds movement and constructing exotic wagers.

With horses like Journalism (8/5), Sovereignty (2/1), and Baeza (4/1) likely to attract the bulk of attention, Crudo offers a compelling Belmont Stakes betting alternative with significant upside.

 

The Blossomed Bloodline: Dirt Dominance Runs Deep

 

Crudo’s story begins with his dam, Blossomed, who never raced but has become one of the most impactful broodmares in North America. She has now produced five stakes winners, including several dirt specialists who excelled at longer distances—a key trait for tackling the demanding 1 1/4-mile Belmont.

Crudo’s full-sister, Awesome Result, has been nothing short of dominant in Japan, winning eight of nine starts, including several at or beyond 2,000 meters. That distance capacity is no coincidence.

Blossomed’s other offspring include Bodacious Babe, a seven-furlong stakes winner at Gulfstream Park and runner-up in the Grade 3 Sugar Swirl; Saayedd, victor of Dubai’s 2,000-meter Jebel Ali Stakes; and Sippican Harbor, Grade 1 Spinaway champion at Saratoga over seven furlongs.

It’s not just the volume of stake success, it’s the style. Each of Blossomed’s winners is a dirt performer, most effective around two turns. That’s critical when evaluating horses for the Belmont Stakes, a race that punishes milers and rewards true routers.

 

Pedigree Power: Deputy Minister’s Legacy Lives On

 

On the bottom half of Crudo’s pedigree lies Deputy Minister, Blossomed’s sire and one of racing’s most essential broodmare sires. A two-time Grade 1 winner at 1 1/16 miles, Deputy Minister built his legacy through progeny like Curlin, Preakness champion and two-time Horse of the Year; Rags to Riches, the first filly in 102 years to win the Belmont; and Belmont heroes like Jazil, Sarava, Touch Gold, and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Awesome Again.

Crudo’s second dam, Texas Cinema, adds even more dirt stamina to the mix. While she failed to win in six career starts, she’s the dam of Cinemine, an eight-time stakes winner and Grade 3 winner at Keeneland, and Flick, a 5.5-furlong dirt stakes winner at Fair Grounds.

Crudo’s pedigree is built for this moment—a grueling dirt race that tests not just speed but true staying power.

 

The 2025 Belmont Stakes Field: A Race Loaded with Talent

 

This year’s Belmont Stakes field features a deep cast of contenders. At the top is Journalism, the 8/5 favorite and winner of the Preakness Stakes 150. Right behind him is Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby champ, sitting at 2/1. Baeza brings strong form and consistent closing ability and is listed at 4/1.

Rodriguez stands at 6/1 as a popular mid-range choice. Hill Road, a potential upset pick, is available at 10/1 odds. Crudo, slotted in post 5, is offered at 15/1, a middle-tier price that could yield significant returns with the right trip. Heart of Honor and Uncaged round out the lineup as longshots, both listed at 30/1.

With Journalism and Sovereignty expected to take up early positions and Baeza rating just behind them, Crudo could benefit from sitting mid-pack and making one sustained run in the stretch. Under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez and trained by Todd Pletcher, a two-time Belmont winner, Crudo is in the right hands for a significant upset.

 

Belmont Stakes Betting Strategy: Where Crudo Makes Sense

 

If you’re crafting a Belmont betting ticket, Crudo is a versatile option. While he may not be the most likely winner, his pedigree and odds position him as a prime candidate for exotic wagers, including exactas, trifectas, and superfectas. 

His 15/1 odds reflect both skepticism and possibility. He hasn’t faced elite Triple Crown competition yet, but his pedigree is rich with Belmont-winning bloodlines. That alone is worth a closer look.

While the favorites may battle for early position, any pace meltdown up front could benefit Crudo’s off-the-pace style. Saratoga’s deeper track also favors horses with staying power,  a category Crudo fits perfectly. With the right pace scenario, he could be flying past tired rivals late.

 

The Final Word: Don’t Ignore the Sleeper

 

Crudo doesn’t need to outclass Journalism or Sovereignty to pay dividends; he needs to run his race. With a trainer who knows how to win at this level and a rider who’s handled high-pressure Belmont moments before, Crudo brings the right mix of pedigree, price, and preparation.

When it comes to Belmont Stakes betting, smart handicappers look beyond the obvious. Crudo might not be the headline horse, but he could be the story on June 7 if the cards fall his way.

 

Wager Smarter, Visit Our Racebook Today

 

Ready to lock in your picks for Belmont Day? Whether you’re all-in on Journalism, playing a Sovereignty repeat, or backing value plays like Crudo, our racebook has you covered. Get the latest Belmont Stakes odds, expert insights, and real-time betting tools to make every wager count.

This is more than a race. It’s the finale of the Triple Crown, and every horse has a shot at glory.

 

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