The 146th Belmont Stakes will take place Saturday, June 7 at 11:30 a.m. at historical Belmont Park.
Belmont is the third and final leg of the coveted Triple Crown and will be broadcast live on NBC Sport Network and streamed on BelmontStakes.com. This year, California Chrome will have the chance to become the first Triple Crown winner in 36 years. Watch the video above to see Palace Malice’s win last year.
Tickets for the race are sold out.
Here’s what you need to know about the horses, odds and other important information about the race.
1. 13 Horses Will Compete
California Chrome is facing 12 of the most competitive horses in the sport. Watch the video above to see introductions of the horses.
Below are the contenders and their odds from Turf ‘N Sport via BetOnline:
California Chrome (11/10)
Ride On Curlin (11/2)
Commanding Curve (15/2)
Tonalist (15/2)
Wicked Strong (17/2)
Medal Count (16/1)
Social Inclusion (20/1)
General A Rod (22/1)
Samraat (22/1)
Commissioner (33/1)
Matterhorn (33/1)
Matuszak (50/1)
Click here to view the trainers, jockeys and owners of the horses.
2. California Chrome Could Be a Triple Crown Winner
With odds of -130 and a six race winning streak that includes the first two legs of the Triple Crown, California Chrome could potentially be the 12th winner of the Triple Crown. However, there have been only 11 horses in history to sweep the Triple Crown, the first in 1919 and the last in 1978. Over 22 horses in history have won both the Derby and Preakness, but lost in the Belmont Stakes. Watch the video above to see California Chrome’s last victory in the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Since California Chrome was born and raised in California, his odds are weakened even further based on the fact that only 2 California thoroughbreds in history have won the Belmont; once in 1893 and 1903. The Belmont Stakes has been known to favor New York-based colts who have previously raced the track. The New York thoroughbreds have won 15 of the last 25 races there, while California Chrome had never stepped foot over the California state line until his win in the Kentucky Derby.
In perspective, California Chrome’s odds of losing should be much higher than his chances of winning, but his past few performances have proven otherwise.
Secretariat Belmont Stakes 1973 & extended coverage (HD Version – NEW!) http://t.co/XyAHUL2Pye
— Dale Romans (@Romansracing) June 2, 2014
California Chrome and jockey @EspinozasVictor impressed in their work today in preparation for the @BelmontStakes! pic.twitter.com/Hn1ekvtKWF
— Americas Best Racing (@ABRLive) May 31, 2014
3. The Stakes are Worth $1.5 Million
Union Rags’ jockey and trainer celebrate their victory after the 144th Belmont Stakes. (Getty)
The Belmont Stakes is the final and longest leg of the Triple Crown. The race has been known so throw off the best thoroughbreds in horse racing, crushing the dreams for over 22 horses looking to be added to the list of 11 Triple Crown winners.
The 1.5 mile race is now worth $1.5 million dollars this year, $500,000 more than last year’s $1 million. This is the first increase the purse has seen since 1998, while the purse for the Kentucky Derby has the highest worth at $2 million. The Preakness was also increased this year to 1.5 million.
The Preakness gets a 50% purse boost for 2014. Will this push NYRA to increase the purse at the Belmont Stakes? http://t.co/RPE6HphTDt
— FOX Sports 1230 (@WMML1230) December 19, 2013
Previously, the prize has been split between the top 5 finishers in the race based on percentage, but this year it will be shared among the first 8. First place will win $800,000 and eighth place will take $30,000.
4. Belmont Claims to Be the Oldest of the Triple Crown Races
Editor’s Note finishes just ahead of Skip Away in the 128th running of the Belmont on June 8, 1996. (Getty)
The Belmont Stakes claim to be the fourth oldest sporting event in the U.S. and the oldest of the three Triple Crown Races. The first Belmont Stakes took place in 1867 and Jerome Park in New York City and was longer by an eighth of a mile (1 5/8 miles).
The purse of the original Belmont Stakes according to BelmontStakes.com was:
“$200 each; half forfeit, and $1,500-added. The second to receive $300, and an English racing saddle, made by Merry, of St. James Street, London, to be presented by Mr. Duncan.”
The race is six years older to the Preakness Stakes (1873) and eight years older than the Kentucky Derby (1875).
Doubling down on the Triple Crown! MT @comcast: @NBCSports doubles down on #Belmont as @CalChrome chases history: http://t.co/LFiDxPvWf5
— XFINITY Sports (@XFINITYSports) June 2, 2014
Click here for all of the records and past winners.
5. The Post Position Draw is Wednesday Morning
The horses take off at the 145th running of the Belmont Stakes. (Getty)
The 146th Belmont Stakes post position draw will take place this Wednesday, June 4 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern an the 4th floor of Belmont Park’s Garden Terrace. The post position draw will have a huge impact on the race itself as it places each horse at a certain point on the starting line. To watch the live streaming video of the draw here.
