June 10 Belmont Stakes to have Interesting Field

The Belmont Stakes has become one of the most exciting races in horse racing. This year, for the first time since 2000, neither the winner of the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness will run in the Belmont.

Barbaro, winner of the Derby, suffered a career-ending and life-threatening tragic breakdown 30 paces into the Preakness, ending his career. Bernardini, winner of the Preakness, is not in the lineup for the Belmont with the owner and trainer saying he needs a break after running three races consecutively with little time between each race.

So far, five horses have been confirmed as entries into the Belmont Stakes. Bluegress Cat, Steppenwolfer, Bob and John, Jazil and Hemmingway's Key are expected to run in the June 10th Belmont States held in Elmont, New York. With no clear over-the-top favorite going in, this will leave the field open and should post great odds on many horses and lots of healthy competition. In fact, it may prove to be one of the best races of the year!

The Kentucky Derby superfecta consisted of Barbaro, Bluegrass Cat, Steppenwolfer, and Jazil and all except Barbaro will return to run the Belmont. However, all these horses except Barbaro took a break from the Preakness. All these horses are well-suited for the distance. Hemmingway's Key, owned by Nick Zito, who placed as a show in the Preakness is slated for the Belmont.

Each of these horses has a great chance to take the win in the Belmont. They are well-suited to the fast sandy-track and all five a great racers.

Sunriver, trained by Todd Pletcher is expected to enter the Belmont but not yet confirmed. Deputy Glitters, trained by the same trainer as Bernardini, Tom Albertrani, will probably be an entry as well. Silver Train, attempting to get back in the running after two modest races, worked out Wednesday with the fastest time for the third time. He could appear in the line-up but is not confirmed.

The Triple Crown is really a tradition that is completely arbitrary. When Gallant Fox finished first in all three races in 1930, sports journalist Charles Hatton wrote the term, taken from an English tradition, and it became a popular concept for American thoroughbred racing.

Any racing fan will find it difficult during the race not to wonder what might have happened if Barbaro has not been injured in the Preakness. He was the favorite to win and his first 30 paces indicated he was well in the running. He could have earned the Triple Crown had disaster not ended his career.

There will be no two jewels awarded to a single horse this year, but everyone is anxious to see the final post lineup and choose their favorites for wagering. Stay tuned because between now an the June 10th race, we may see some exciting entries added and possibly some significant changes in the lineup.