The way the race sets up, Samraat and Tonalist will likely go for the lead, but California Chrome could find himself in front early as well. If that’s the case, it shouldn’t be a problem for the Kentucky Derby winner’s versatile running style.
Commissioner, Wicked Strong, General A Rod, and Dale Romans’ Medal Count will likely be the mid-pack runners and those most likely to pounce on the leaders as the field turns for home. Wicked Strong, who sat out the Preakness, turned in a bullet work over the Belmont track on Sunday, going five furlongs in a sharp :59 flat. Medal Count also comes in off two sharp bullet works, finishing six furlongs in 1:10 and change on Saturday at Churchill Downs and five furlongs in :59 and change a week earlier. He arrived in New York on Thursday.
The field from the rail out, with odds, is: Medal Count 20-1, California Chrome 3-5, Matterhorn 30-1, Commanding Curve 15-1, Ride On Curlin 12-1, Matuszak 30-1, Samraat 20-1, Commissioner 20-1, Wicked Strong 6-1, General A Rod 20-1, and Tonalist 8-1.
"I don't think he has to win the Triple Crown to be a hero," said Art Sherman of California Chrome. "He's on a six-race winning streak. He'll always be my hero. Just to win the Derby and Preakness is good enough for me. If he gets the Belmont, that's the hat trick. Believe me, I'll be really satisfied then. I'm the kind of guy that I take one race at a time. I hope we have a good trip and everybody comes away healthy.”
The Belmont Stakes is the 10th race on Belmont’s stakes-filled Saturday card with a scheduled post time of 6:52 p.m. EST. It can be seen live on NBC (programming begins at 4:30 p.m.). Undercard race coverage can be seen on NBC Sports Network from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. and resumes at 7 p.m. for post-race coverage. Free PPs provided by Brisnet.
Photo: Courtesy NYRA.com/Chelsea Durand
