Belmont Stakes Field 2014: Outlook for Undercard and Stakes Lineup at Elmont
The main event on Saturday is the Belmont Stakes, where California Chrome will attempt to become the first horse since 1978 to win the Triple Crown.
The field is stacked and prepared to play spoiler.
Here's a look at the 11-horse field with post positions and odds per BelmontStakes.com.
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| 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 is considered the stiffest competition for California Chrome. His trainer, Jimmy Jerkens, says he and his team have always felt confident about their horse's chances of winning the Belmont.
Per Frank Angst of Bloodhorse.com (h/t ESPN.com) Jerkens said:
"I guess in the backs of our mind, we always thought that the Belmont would be his best shot to win of all the Triple Crown races. It's right in our backyard and the distance is probably more up his alley than some of the others in there.
"
Wicked Strong's strength and endurance make him a threat.
The fact that he didn't run in the Preakness could also mean that he's fresh for a long and determined run at the Belmont.
Billy Turner, the trainer of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, told Ed McNamara of Newsday:
"I think some of the horses who skipped the Preakness will be formidable foes."
Wicked Strong is one of those horses. Will fresher legs allow him to play spoiler?
We'll find out on Saturday.
Aside from California Chrome's quest to make history, there are also nine other races on tap. Click here to see the full rundown. Here's a look at two of the biggest races.
The Met Mile
Just before the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes, there's the Grade 1, $1.25 million Metropolitan Mile. In total, six of the 10 races are G1s.
Some familiar names are set to run in the Met Mile for 4-year-olds. Palace Malice, one of last year's top Triple Crown contenders, is perhaps the biggest name of all.
According to Palace Malice's trainer, Todd Pletcher, the variety of horses in action are part of the appeal, per The Ledger-Enquirer:
"You get everything (in the Met Mile). You get the sprinters stretching out, the routers backing up, the true milers. It's what makes it interesting."
If California Chrome runs away with the Belmont Stakes, the Met Mile might be the day's most thrilling race.
Knob Creek Manhattan Handicap (G1)
2012 Breeders' Cup Turf champion Little Mike is one of the biggest names in this race for 4-year-olds and up.
Older horses like Shug McGaughey's 6-year-old Imagining should provide solid competition for Little Mike. He has won nine of his 18 starts overall.
The varied ages of the horses in this contest adds a bit more intrigue.
There's also the hefty $1 million purse to grab the attention of fans and trainers.
While almost the entire horse racing world is rooting for California Chrome to win the Triple Crown, the full lineup of races should make the day exciting at Elmont.
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