Upcoming Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes is coming up on June 6th at Belmont Park with a lot of drama surrounding the race. Mine That Bird the Kentucky Derby Winner, and Preakness runner up is going to run, but the real drama is whether or not the filly and Preakness Champion Rachel Alexandra will run in the Belmont. The Preakness took a lot out of Rachel Alexandra, and the three week turn back could be a little tight for the star filly. Jess Jackson the owner of Rachel Alexandra has said that Rachel Alexandra has nothing to prove, but I disagree. Mine That Bird had to check in the Preakness, maybe causing him the race. In the Belmont Stakes, there will be far less horses, reducing the chance of traffic trouble. In the Belmont Mine that Bird will get a fair shot at Rachel Alexandra. If Rachel Alexandra turns him back and wins the race, then she will prove that she is the best, but until then she does have something to prove. This is assuming that she does run, but if she does not, the Belmont will still have a strong field.

Charitable Man is now most likely headed to the race, and off his dominating race in the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park, he should run well in the race. Chocolate Candy coming off a strong performance in the Kentucky Derby, but at the same time not handling the track should run a strong race, so should Summer Bird. Mr. Hot Stuff was disappointing in the Derby, but could show that it was just the track in the Belmont. Flying Private should like the distance, and never leave out Nick Zito in the Belmont.

If Rachel Alexandra runs, it will be one of the most intriguing Triple Crown races in history, following last weeks Preakness, but even if she does not be prepared for a great horse race.