While there will be no Triple Crown winner this year, Belmont Stakes should still draw many spectators tomorrow for the big race.  50,000 fans are anticipated for the third jewel of the crown, known as the Belmont Stakes.  Post time is set for 6:36pm, Eastern time, later today.

If Animal Kingdom had gone on to win the Preakness (the second jewel), the Belmont would be the place to make or break him as the Triple Crown champion.  The Belmont is the longest of the three races and just two weeks after the Preakness.  Where on other hand, the Preakness was three weeks after the Kentucky Derby.  This would affect any horse running in the last two races or all three races, not giving the horse much time to recover and causing any horse to run tired.  This has deemed the Belmont the most demanding race.

For all you betting enthusiasts, Animal Kingdom has been named the favorite going into today's race.  He will break from a post 9 starting position with John Velazquez in the saddle.  While the colt finished second in the Preakness, he was only 1/2 length behind the winner, Shackleford (who will break from post 12 and is the third favored horse in the Belmont).

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Animal Kingdom vs. Nehro in Kentucky Derby
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Rob Carr, Getty Images

Certainly making the Belmont interesting, will be a re-match between Animal Kingdom and second-place Kentucky Derby finisher, Nehro.  Nehro sat out from the Preakness because his owner and trainer wanted him to have five weeks of rest before today's race.  Nehro is definitely the second most favored horse in today's race  with Corey Nakatani aboard.  The colt will start from post number 6.  Though, he has only one win in six starts, the longer race could prove to be in his favor, giving him more time to pass the leader(s). 

Only twelve horses are set to take to the track this afternoon.  A close eye has been kept on Mucho Macho Man as a top contender.  Of course, anything can happen -- they are animals, not machines.  However, I think I might keep my eye out for Master of the Hounds.  I like his name, but he also drew post position 1 and if he has a good break, could definitely go the distance.  He showed some late promise in the derby, but with ....................................................................................the longer length of the Belmont, Master of the Hounds ....................................................................................could prove to be an upset. 

....................................................................................Who do you think will win the Belmont?

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