Belmont Stakes 2012 Start Time: When and Where to Catch All the Action

Everyone wants to know if I'll Have Another will complete the Triple Crown, but I'm really interested in sipping on a Belmont Breeze. It's the official drink of the Belmont Stakes as of 1998. That is when bartender Dale DeGroff introduced it to replace the White Carnation as the race's spirit of choice, per Mahalo.com.

It may not be as popular as the Mint Julep from the Kentucky Derby, or the Black-eyed Susan from the Preakness, but what else are you going to do while you watch?

You may as well be in compliance with tradition. Here are the specifics on the TV and live stream coverage per belmontstakes.com:

TV Coverage

Thursday, June 7 I'll Have Another – Charging Toward History
7:30 - 8pm (NBCSN)

Thursday, June 7 Rebroadcast of 2012 Kentucky Derby
8 - 10pm (NBCSN)

Thursday, June 7 Rebroadcast of 2012 Preakness
10 pm - Midnight (NBCSN)

Friday, June 8 Belmont Stakes Classics
4 - 5pm (NBCSN)

Friday, June 8 Live from Belmont: (Jaipur and Brooklyn)
5 - 6pm (NBCSN)

Saturday, June 9 Belmont Stakes Saturday: (Just A Game, True North, Woody Stephens)
3 - 5pm (NBCSN)

Saturday, June 9 144th Belmont Stakes: (Woodford Reserve Manhattan and Belmont Stakes)
5 - 7pm (NBC)

Saturday, June 9 Belmont Stakes Post-Race Show
7 - 7:30pm (NBCSN)

Live Stream

NBC Sports

Race Preview

As for the race, I never go with the favorite, but the weak field and I'll Have Another's amazing run is making me go against my rule of thumb. He has looked strong in both the Derby and the Preakness, with a startling ability to close well.

This should serve him well in New York, as the track measures 1.5 miles. This is the longest of the Triple Crown race tracks. I'll Have Another has shown that he is versatile on any track length, and the chemistry between he and Mario Gutierrez is outstanding.

When looking at the field, only Dullahan has had notable success in either the Derby or the Preakness. He finished third at Churchill Downs, but I'll Have Another beat him there, and there is no reason to believe he won't have his number again.

Union Rags will try his luck again as well, but I classify him as a second-tier horse, and I'll Have Another has already proven himself to be special.

Take a look at his amazing finish at Pimlico:

This is his race to lose, and in the end I think we're going to see history. Join me in celebrating what will be horse racing's 12th Triple Crown winner, and some tasty Belmont Breezes.

In case you can't make it to New York, or to the track, here's the ingredients and recipe for the drink per belmont-stakes.info:

The ingredients are:

1 1/2 ounces of a good American blended whiskey
3/4 ounces Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry
1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice
1 ounce of simple syrup
(1 ounce of sweet and sour mix may be substituted for the lemon juice and simple syrup)
1 1/2 ounces fresh orange juice
1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
1 ounce 7-Up
1 ounce Club Soda

Shake first six ingredients with ice, then top with 7-Up and club soda. Garnish with mint sprig and lemon wedge.

Enjoy the races and drink in moderation, or enjoy the drinks and race in moderation!

Follow Brian Mazique and Franchiseplay.net for reactions, analysis and news from the world of sports and sports Video Games

Follow @BrianMazique

Follow @franchiseplay