The Belmont Stakes is a race that typically favors horses on or near the early lead, contrary to popular belief that deep closers will appreciate the 12-furlong trip and excel. A horse who projects to work out an ideal pace-pressing trip is this year’s Preakness Stakes winner WAR OF WILL. War of Will was the beneficiary of a perfect stalking trip at Pimlico three weeks ago, sitting the pocket before shooting up the rail and prevailing. Most handicappers would immediately downgrade War of Will’s effort because of the excellent trip he earned in Baltimore, but I think his effort may be better than it appears at face value. Trained by Mark Casse, this son of War Front was relatively close to a hot pace, yet still ended up with the fourth-fastest come-home time in the race. The only horses to finish faster than War of Will were 11th, ninth, and 12th six furlongs into the run. War of Will is very likely to sit just off probable pacesetter Joevia before commencing his bid rounding the far turn. :: Belmont Stakes one-stop shop: Get Clocker Reports, PPs, packages, and more TACITUS is the other obvious contender in this year’s Belmont Stakes. Trained by Bill Mott, this son of Tapit finished well in the Kentucky Derby after appearing uncomfortable during the early portions of the race, and he appears primed for a career effort Saturday. His dam, champion Close Hatches, had tremendous success at Belmont Park in her career, and her class has seemingly been passed down to her son. At times, Tacitus has shown some greenness and immaturity in his races. If he’s to win the Belmont Stakes, he’ll need to put everything together. It seems plausible that Jose Ortiz will follow War of Will throughout and begin his move at a similar juncture. BOURBON WAR has always hinted at being a colt with real potential, and it’s possible he takes the necessary step forward in the Belmont Stakes. A son of Tapit trained by Mark Hennig, Bourbon War disappointed in the Preakness, never threatened at any point, and ultimately finished eighth. The Preakness effort came while sporting blinkers for the first time in his career. Those blinkers will come off for the Belmont on Saturday. If he’s able to lay a bit closer to the pace, he’s not without a chance. TAX was no match for Tacitus two starts back in the Wood Memorial, but he’s an honest sort that has a running style conducive to Belmont success. The distance is an unknown for everyone at this point, but his grinding/staying appearance makes him one to consider underneath in exotics.