Belmont Stakes 2013 Contenders: Breaking Down Favorites at Triple Crown Finale

It is the curse of the Belmont Stakes that, despite being one of the truly great events in horse racing, it becomes an anticlimactic event when the Kentucky Derby winner is thwarted at the Preakness. 

This will be one of those years, as no Triple Crown is on the line after Oxbow dashed Orb's dreams in Baltimore. However, that doesn't mean this race doesn't hold intrigue, especially with the aforementioned horses trying to at least take two of three in the Triple Crown series.

With that in mind, let's break down the three horses I believe have the best chance of winning this prestigious race.

Orb

What a long, strange trip it has been for Orb. He came into the Kentucky Derby as one of the favorites and didn't disappoint, leading many folks to believe he was perfectly suited to finally end the Triple Crown drought. 

Alas, he was not, posting a rather mediocre running at the Preakness Stakes and ultimately finishing fourth. Still, the Preakness always promised to be his most difficult race, as his style is best suited for winning a longer race in the end. 

At the Belmont, that opportunity certainly should present itself. More than anything else, the Preakness seemed to be simply a bad day for Orb. If he regains his form at the Belmont, look out, field.

Revolutionary

Do not sleep on Revolutionary, folks. The horse that finished third in the Kentucky Derby and won the Louisiana Derby and the Withers is a gamer, and has had plenty of rest between the Derby and Belmont Stakes.

Plus, he's never finished worse than third. Keep that in mind when you fill out your trifecta. 

Revolutionary isn't a horse that will be in the mainstream conversation like Oxbow or Orb—and he may not become a sleeper darling like Mylute, which finished fifth in the Derby and third at the Preakness—but this is a horse more than capable of stealing this race.

Oxbow

After the Kentucky Derby, most folks weren't paying much attention to Oxbow. After finishing sixth, nearly 10 lengths behind Orb, Oxbow went into the Preakness at 15-1 odds. 

The horse promptly went out and ran the perfect race, ending Orb's Triple Crown aspirations and crushing the hopes of racing enthusiasts everywhere. 

Still, Oxbow will have his work cut out for him at Belmont. There will be a much larger field for the race, and the horse isn't sneaking up on anyone. Plus, on a longer track, Oxbow may not be able to hold off some of the late runners. 

But bet against Oxbow at your own risk. The horse shocked everyone when he was merely an afterthought. Now that everyone is aware of Oxbow's presence and expecting him to fall short of his Preakness form, perhaps the horse will have a second surprise in store.