Two down, one to go. After emerging victorious in the first two legs of the Triple Crown of horse racing, California Chrome is now 1.5 miles away from becoming the first Triple Crown winner in over 36 years as he prepares to contend for the 146th Belmont Stakes on June 7.
Be part of this potentially historic race by creating your own betting account today, and read on to find out which horse to stake your money on.
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2014 Belmont Stakes Preview
Favorites: California Chrome & Ride On Curlin
After winning both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes by over 1.5 lengths, California Chrome is a heavy -130 favorite to win the Triple Crown. But they don’t call the Belmont Stakes “The Test of the Champion” for nothing. Even for a stud like California Chrome, running a grueling mile-and-a-half more after already running in both the Derby and the Preakness could prove too much.
[sc:horses240banner ]If California Chrome does falter, Ride on Curlin may just be the horse to capitalize. The only other horse aside from California Chrome to take part in the two previous Triple Crown races, Ride on Curlin was 7th in the Derby and finished runner-up behind California Chrome in the Preakness. Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez will ride Ride on Curlin after Joel Rosario opted to ride Tonalist (+800).
Velazquez has won the Belmont twice before, and could give Ride on Curlin, who’s valued at +600 to win, that extra edge.
High Value: Commanding Curve & Social Inclusion
The runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, Commanding Curve (+900) will be well-rested for the Belmont after sitting out the Preakness Stakes. Curve finished incredibly strong to take 2nd in the Derby, but ultimately fell short of catching Chrome. With the Belmont over two furlongs longer, Curve could have more room with which to work his magic down the homestretch.
Social Inclusion (+2,500) is another horse worth looking at. One of the favorites in the Preakness Stakes, Inclusion finished 3rd in his last two races. Social Inclusion has the speed, but fatigue will be the main issue, especially over a mile and a half.
Long Shots: Kid Cruz & Ring Weekend
For long shots, take a look at Kid Cruz and Ring Weekend, both priced at +3,500. The two horses made the jump in competition to put on respectable showings in the Preakness Stakes; Ring Weekend went 5th, while Kid Cruz finished in 8th.
Before top 10 finishes in the Preakness, Ring Weekend had two first place and two second place finishes, while Kid Cruz placed in the top two in his previous five races.
Writer’s Prediction
The fatigued California Chrome falls short of history as the 1.5 mile track proves too much. Commanding Curve (+900) charges out of the pack to claim the Belmont Stakes.
