Belmont Field Set

The Belmont field, from the rail out, is:

1. Master of Hounds, Garrett Gomez, 10-1
2. Stay Thirsty, Javier Castellano, 20-1
3. Ruler On Ice, Jose Valdivia Jr., 20-1
4. Santiva, Shaun Bridgmohan, 15-1
5. Brilliant Speed, Joel Rosario, 15-1
6. Nehro, Corey Nakatani, 4-1
7. Monzon, Jose Lezcano, 30-1
8. Prime Cut, Edgar Prado, 15-1
9. Animal Kingdom, John Velazquez, 2-1
10. Mucho Macho Man, Ramon Dominguez, 10-1
11. Isn't He Perfect, Rajiv Maragh, 30-1
12. Shackleford, Jesus Castanon, 9-2

I think that both Animal Kingdom and Nehro are sitting pretty, Nehro probably a little more so than Animal Kingdom but my other pick, Master of Hounds is not as fortunate. However, the Belmont is such a long race and the field is much smaller than the other Triple Crown races, that I am not sure post position is as critical. That said, no one wants to get stuck at the gate.

Conventional wisdom says that the way to win the Belmont is to go out in front and stay there. It is a very, very long stretch and it is nice to be way out in front when they turn for home to make everyone else catch you because it is hard to do at that point.

If the pace is too fast too soon, there is the possibility of horses burning themselves out way before that stretch run. I still like Animal Kingdom, Nehro and Master of Hounds. I don't think Shackleford or Mucho Macho man can go that far but you never know.

I think it will be a good race and I think it is also good that many of the Derby contenders are still running in the Belmont. Keeps the game interesting. NBC has live coverage on Saturday. Enjoy!