The story for the 2016 Belmont Stakes should’ve seen Exaggerator and Nyquist ending their vaunted trilogy at a race which has earned the nickname “The Test of the Champion.” It would’ve been unbelievable drama for an event that sorely needs it. Instead, we are getting a straightforward renewal with one heavy favorite and some hopeful contenders.

Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of reason to care about this race, especially given that you can make money off it through betting. We’ll get to that in a second.

WHAT HAPPENED TO NYQUIST?

Heading in to the Kentucky Derby, Nyquist was the favorite and trounced the field, while Exaggerator placed as the runner-up. In the rematch at the Preakness Stakes, Nyquist was caught off guard by the muddy conditions which Exaggerator excelled in as he dusted the competition. Days after the second leg of the Triple Crown series concluded, the sport received some tough news.