There is a real possibility Saturday’s 143rd Belmont Stakes will be run over a wet track. Overnight rains left Belmont’s track muddy for the first few races and with temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s and no sunshine, it isn’t ideal for drying out.
Animal Kingdom remained the favorite in early betting for the Belmont Stakes on Saturday at Belmont Park in New York when the ontrack pool was merged with out-of-state wagering at 10:30 a.m.
Odds for the Belmont Stakes as of 6 p.m. Eastern time on Friday. Only betting through New York Racing Association outlets - such as at Belmont Park, or through NYRA One accounts - were merged into the pool on Friday.
Pedigree really separates the contenders from the pretenders in the Belmont. Animal Kingdom is legitimately the horse to beat. [VIDEO]
Honorable mentions for top jockey rides in Belmont Stakes history.
Angel Cordero Jr. uses all his powers to keep an exhausted Bold Forbes in front as the finish line approaches in the 1976 Belmont Stakes.
A nimble and rhythmic switch of Steve Cauthen’s whip hand, from right to left, made all the difference for Affirmed in the 1978 Belmont Stakes.
Gary Stevens and Victory Gallop (outside) overtake Kent Desormeaux and Real Quiet on the final stride of the 1998 Belmont Stakes.
Jaipur edges Admiral's Voyage in a triumph of finesse (Bill Shoemaker) over brawn (Braulio Baeza).
After crossing the wire of the 1999 Belmont Stakes with Charismatic and then dismounting quickly, Chris Antley cradled his mount's wounded leg until a medical team could arrive.
