Belmont Stakes Field 2014: Pinpointing Underrated Horses and Jockeys in Lineup
Unless you've been on some sort of spaceship with no connection to the sports world, you know about California Chrome's quest for the Triple Crown.
On Saturday, he'll try to become the first horse to win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes since Affirmed in 1978.
His jockey, Victor Espinoza, was also the man in the saddle when War Emblem fell just short of the
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The for the favorite and his jockey is intriguing, but what about some of the more underrated horses and jockeys set to play spoiler?
Here's a look at the entire field plus two jockeys and two horses fans should be watching on Saturday.
| Post | Horse | Odds |
| 1 | Medal Count | 20-1 |
| 2 | California Chrome | 3-5 |
| 3 | Matterhorn | 30-1 |
| 4 | Commanding Curve | 15-1 |
| 5 | Ride On Curlin | 12-1 |
| 6 | Matuszak | 30-1 |
| 7 | Samraat | 20-1 |
| 8 | Commissioner | 20-1 |
| 9 | Wicked Strong | 6-1 |
| 10 | General a Rod | 20-1 |
| 11 | Tonalist | 8-1 |
Wicked Strong and Rajiv
At 1 1/2 miles, the Belmont Stakes is the longest of the Triple Crown events.
Because of the distance and the relatively short period of time between Triple Crown races, stamina is one of the biggest impediments for a horse trying to make history.
Because of that, a man who knows a thing or two about the Triple Crown believes fresher horses have an advantage.
Billy Turner, the famed trainer of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, told Ed McNamara of "I think some of the horses who skipped the Preakness will be formidable foes."
Of all the horses that didn't run in the Preakness, Wicked Strong looks to be the most formidable opponent for California Chrome.
He finished fourth at the Kentucky Derby, so we already know he has what it takes to compete against a top-notch field.
To give more credence to the case for Wicked Strong, he also won the Grade 1 Wood Memorial.
In the saddle for Wicked Strong will be 29-year-old Rajiv . He hasn't yet made his mark in a major American race, but this could be the spot.
has the horse to make some noise. The question will be whether he has the poise and the wits to maneuver into an advantageous position.
It's California Chrome's world, but perhaps something wicked this way comes.
Another fresh but inexperienced contender is .
The horse has yet against a Grade 1 field, but he has proved he can win at Belmont Park.
He's run only four times officially in his career, but he's won twice.
His most recent victory came at the Grade 2 Peter Pan Stakes last month at Belmont Park. Because he's unproven, it's hard to totally back , but don't sleep on the horse's familiarity with the track.
That could be a major factor.
Rosie
breakthrough performance is coming sooner or later. Could the 2014 Belmont Stakes be the spot?
She'll ride General a Rod, a horse who isn't considered a top contender.
That said, at the Belmont Stakes, a jockey has as much to do with winning as one does in any high-stakes race.
The distance puts the onus on the person in the saddle to make the right decisions to perhaps make up for a lack of early burst.
The 26-year-old has always displayed nerves of steel. She understands how her demeanor trickles down to the horse.
In an interview with 60 Minutes' Bob Simon, spoke about the connection between the rider and the horse.
"Horses can feel your nerves, horses can feel excitement, they can feel you relax, which will help them relax," she said.
If she is going to pull the massive upset on the 20-1 underdog, she'll need to emote plenty of calm. But don't doubt her.
She has won the Kentucky Oaks twice. A win in a Triple Crown event likely isn't far behind. Will this be her year? We'll find out on Saturday.
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