ELMONT, N.Y. – It wasn’t long after the horses passed the wire in the Kentucky Derby on May 2 that trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, having watched his colt Frosted finish fourth, knew what he wanted to do regarding the rest of the Triple Crown.
“We’ve been pointing to the Belmont since May 3,” McLaughlin said here at Belmont Park.
The New York Racing Association and NBC Sports Group have extended a deal giving the network exclusive broadcast rights to the Belmont Stakes, the two groups said on Wednesday.
Though terms were not disclosed, an NBC official said the extension will give the network the broadcast rights “through at least 2020.” NBC has held the broadcast rights to the Belmont since 2011, taking over at that time from ESPN, which held the rights from 2006-10. NBC had the broadcast rights from 2001-05.
ELMONT, N.Y. – There will be no shortage of wagering opportunities Friday and Saturday – Belmont Stakes Day – at Belmont Park, including multiple two-day daily-double bets.
There is a daily double linking Friday’s True North (race 8) with Saturday’s Metropolitan Handicap that will have a guaranteed pool of $150,000. Last year, the pool on that wager was $656,728.
Also, there is a daily double linking Friday’s Belmont Gold Cup (race 10) with Saturday’s Belmont Stakes that will have a guaranteed pool of $300,000. Last year, the handle on that wager was $650,442.
Prior to the Kentucky Derby, more people picked American Pharoah than any other horse. Prior to the Preakness, just about everybody picked American Pharoah. This week, hardly anyone I talk with is picking American Pharoah to win the Belmont Stakes.
The near Triple Crown misses have collectively psyched us all out. I definitely include myself in that group.
Last year, trainer Keith Desormeaux won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with Texas Red, who finished a close second to American Pharoah in the voting for champion 2-year-old male. So, when Desormeaux ships a maiden across the country for a stakes race and names his brother Kent to ride, it merits attention.
On Friday, Desormeaux will start Swipe in the $250,000 Tremont Stakes. Swipe finished second in his first start May 22 at Santa Anita and figures as one of the longer prices in the Tremont.
American Pharoah’s quest to become racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner and first since 1978 will start from post 5 against seven challengers in the 147th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes, to be contested Saturday at Belmont Park. The Zayat Stables homebred has been installed as the 3-5 morning-line favorite.
Trainer Bob Baffert, who is taking his fourth shot at the elusive Triple Crown, said earlier this week that he wasn’t concerned about drawing a specific post position in the marathon 1 1/2-mile classic.
Justin Zayat was barely a teenager when his father bought his first two racehorses. Zayat, who was more interested in other sports at the time, was not particularly impressed.
“I was never involved in horse racing. I thought it was the weirdest thing ever,” Justin Zayat said. “I loved watching ESPN. My dad once in a while would have a horse race on TV, and I would be like, ‘Turn this crap off and put on SportsCenter.’ He went to the sale and bought two horses. I said, ‘Good for you, Dad. Enjoy that. I’m going to go and play basketball.’ ”
Mort Sahl, the legendary political comic who wrote campaign jokes for presidential hopeful John F. Kennedy, likes to tell the story of the time he was flying with the candidate from one primary state to another when the humor of a particular conversation turned decidedly dark.
“Sahl,” Kennedy said, “if this plane goes down, you’ll get one line at the bottom of all the newspaper stories: ‘Comedian also on board.’ ”
Mort Sahl, meet Keen Ice.
Nick Zito has a unique perspective on the Belmont Stakes, which will be run for the 147th time Saturday.
He’s won the race twice, both times with longshots who broke up Triple Crown bids. He has finished second an amazing seven times. And, having grown up a stone’s throw from Aqueduct, Zito sees the race through the eyes of a true New Yorker.
