2014 Belmont Stakes: Early Weather Forecast and Field Odds for Belmont

The world of horse racing is hoping to see something sensational this Saturday evening at Belmont Park. With California Chrome looking to make history by winning the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, all eyes will be on Elmont, New York for the momentous occasion.

One of the biggest questions leading up to the race is what Saturday's weather will look like. Much like the weather during California Chrome's run thus far, Saturday's weather looks perfect. 

That bodes well for the young colt, who has never raced in the rain during his career. 

As we quickly approaches this weekend's event, here's a look at the current forecast for the 2014 Belmont Stakes and how the weather might affect the race. The full weekend forecast can be found courtesy of The Weather Channel.

Viewing Information

Where: Belmont Park in Elmont, New York

When: Saturday, June 7 at 6:52 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra

Current Forecast: Mostly cloudy, 78 degrees

Horse	Odds
California Chrome	1-1
Ride On Curlin	5-1
Commanding Curve	15-2
Tonalist	15-2
Wicked Strong	9-1
Medal Count	14-1
Samraat	20-1
Commissioner	33-1
Matterhorn	33-1
Social Inclusion	33-1
Kid Cruz	40-1
Matuszak	40-1

Update: As of Tuesday morning, June 3, the forecast for Elmont is sunny, 80 degrees. 

Weather Breakdown

Only 11 horses in the history of thoroughbred racing have ever accomplished the Triple Crown, and California Chrome is looking to make his mark on the sport by triumphing on Saturday.

After capturing the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, the strong colt had three weeks to recover before the run at Belmont Park. Mike Welsch of Daily Racing Form provides a look at his final major prep outing:

But if there's one slight hitch in the horse's giddyup, it might be the weather forecast.

Despite the fact that he's won his last six races, California Chrome has never raced in rainy conditions. With both the Derby and Preakness having been run with good conditions, the colt has still never been tested on a slick track.

Trainer Art Sherman spoke about the gelding as the race nears, per Melissa Hoppert of The New York Times:

"

It makes me a little nervous because he’s never run in the slop, but I watched him train over there. It’s going to be packed down—a sloppy racetrack, they usually seal it to keep the rain from making it too sloppy—and if he can hear his feet rattle on that type of a racetrack, I think it will be to his advantage.

... If it comes up a sloppy racetrack, I don’t think it will bother him. I’m from the old school. I think a horse that can run, can run on anything, and he doesn’t have to carry the track with him.

"

Luckily for Sherman and California Chrome, the conditions now look more promising. With only a 10 percent chance for precipitation on Saturday, horse racing fans shouldn't worry about the colt underperforming in the huge event.

Jeff Siegel of Horse Racing TV provides his thoughts on the outlook for Saturday in Elmont:

If California Chrome does experience a hiccup on Saturday and falters in his attempt to capture the Triple Crown, it likely won't be due to the weather.

All the pressure will be firmly on Sherman, California Chrome and jockey Victor Espinoza in their attempt at the memorable feat. With beautiful conditions expected over the weekend, expect California Chrome to make history and ride off into the sunset with the Triple Crown. 

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