2006 Belmont Stakes Line up Looks Good

Belmont Stakes, the third race in the Triple Crown will be run June 10th and the line-up looks interesting. Of course, there will be not Triple Crown winner this year since Barbaro, winner of the Kentucky Derby injured his right rear ankle in the Peak ness, won by Bernardini who is taking a rest from racing and won't run the Belmont Stakes race. Wet weather is currently the forecast for race day.

Steppenwolfer, owned by Robert and Lawana Low, is one of the colts to be watching for in this year's race. Trainer Danny Peitz has been preparing him and the thoroughbred turned in a time of 1:10 1/5 in six furlongs on Friday, June 2nd's workout. The trainer is paying close attention to every aspect of Steppenwolfer's stride, walk and examining his legs every mornings to ensure that this contender is ready for the running next Saturday afternoon.

Jazil, from Sadwell Farm, is being trained by Kiaran McLaughlin in preparation of the Belmont Stakes. The trainer has not had the horse running since his run for fourth in the Derby. He'll be a contender to watch in the Belmont with both Barbaro and Bernardini out of the race.

Oh So Awesome, from Team Valor Stables, is jumping up in class by running in the Belmont but trainer Jimmy Jerkins believes this colt is a long shot with a real chance of winning. The thoroughbred has raced on dirt just once in the Match the Hatch at Belmont on May 19th and finished third. Oh So Awesome will workout once more before the Belmont but which day the son of Awesome Again will perform this work has not been decided. Jockey Mike Smith, who has never taken a win in the Belmont Stakes will be aboard Oh So Awesome for the June 10th Belmont.

Bluegrass Cat, a runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, and Sunriver, winner of the Peter Pan Stakes, are both slated to do some workouts on Sunday, June 3, depending on weather conditions. These horses will both breeze in preparation for the big race. Both horses are owned by Todd Pletcher and are perhaps the most accomplished in this year's line up.

Sacred Light, runner-up in the Santa Catalina Stakes, arrived at Belmont last Tuesday and on Friday jogged casually once around the main track under his exercise rider. He should be watched as a real potential contender this year.

Hemingway's Key, who placed third in the Preakness Stakes, turned in 1:01.29 when breezed five furlongs over the training surface at Saratoga Race Course in Oklahoma. With Barbaro and Bernardini absent from the Preakness, this is a horse to watch closely as he prepare for the big day.