Belmont Stakes

Belmont
Saturday June 11th , 2011
Name: Belmont Stakes Grade: I
Purse: $1,000,000
Distance/Restrictions: 1 1/2 Miles, Dirt, 3 Year Olds, STAKES

Master of the Hounds
Stay Thirsty
Ruler On Ice
Santiva
Brilliant Speed
Nehro
Monzon
Prime Cut
Animal Kingdom
Mucho Macho Man
Isn’t He Perfect
Shackleford

Five of the first six horses return to Triple Crown racing after skipping the Preakness (#3 Ruler On Ice didn’t participate in the Kentucky Derby – he recently finished 2nd in the Federico Tesio stakes).

The following is how the first group of Kentucky Derby contestants faired –

(#1) Master of the Hounds – 5th
(#2) Stay Thirsty – 12th
(#4) Santiva – 6th
(#5) Brilliant Speed – 7th
(#6) Nehro – 2nd

Nehro has been a threat all year to finally “win” a big stakes race – currently he’s finished 2nd in three straight Derbies (Louisiana / Arkansas / Kentucky) – the advantage he brings against horses like Animal Kingdom and Shackleford – is he’s had more rest than the two Preakness competitors. It wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up being the “betting” favorite in this race at post time.

From what I’ve seen Santiva and Stay Thirsty won’t compete past 1 1/16th miles – I think the distance in this race knocks them out.

This will be the first time Ruler On Ice has really competed at this level - certainly he's the kind of "WHO?" horse capable of winning something like the Belmont Stakes....but there's nothing in his history to suggest he's got the ability to beat some of the better horses in this field.

Master of the Hounds should improve in this race – however outside of a 2nd place finish in the UAE Derby this horse hasn’t been very impressive – I’m leaning away from this 10-1 horse right now…..however the one longshot (15-1) I am interested in is Brilliant Speed.

Brilliant Speed has looked very solid at 1 1/8 miles – and if the price is right, after having rested a month he may be worth a look!

#7 Monzon and #8 Prime Cut return from a rematch in the Peter Pan Stakes here at Belmont where they finished sixth and third respectively. These two horses have a solid post position and familiarity with the track…but I don’t think either horse has the talent to beat most of the horses in this field.

The final four horses return in a rematch from the Preakness where Kentucky Derby victor #9 Animal Kingdom placed behind a resolute #12 Shackleford.

Finishing behind the two Triple Crown champions were #11 Isn’t He Perfect (9th place) and #10 Mucho Macho Man (6th place).

Fatigue will certainly be a concern for the returning champions Animal Kingdom and Shackleford who will be up against the longest race of their lives, after having already appeared in the most races in the shortest amount of time (3 races in 5 weeks) in their short careers.

Shackleford’s 12th position in this race didn’t do him any favors either – as he will have to break very well out of the gate – beat everyone to the first turn and cut across the track so that he can establish the lead and the pace which has served as his recipe for success so far.

I really like Shackleford – he’s a tough little go-getter and I’ve certainly enjoyed watching him come into his own during the Triple Crown – however a 12th spot for his style of racing and at this distance seems to be asking far too much.

All things considered this race lines up very well for Animal Kingdom v Nehro – both of these horses prefer to close late and you have to wonder which is more likely –

Animal Kingdom, despite fatigue, continues to showcase more talent than any of the other competitors?
Or
Nehro finally gets a much anticipated trip to the Winner’s Circle?

From a bettors point of view – I like betting $24 on Mucho Macho Man, Brilliant Speed, Nehro and Animal Kingdom for a tri-fecta box. With a little luck Mucho or Brilliant Speed may end up splitting the two favorites….or even better winning!!

Sadly my “selections” are pretty boring with the two favorites winning and placing….

Closing Speed likes: Animal Kingdom, Nehro and Brilliant Speed

Just because it's a great song for the weekend!