Photo via Bill Brine/Wikimedia Commons.
The draw for the Belmont Stakes has just completed. Morning line favorite California Chrome has drawn post position two. Close to the rail could mean a shorter trip for the Derby and Preakness winner, but sometimes an inside post could cause a horse to get boxed in, trapped, with dirt thrown in his face. However, the horses around him don’t have much speed, so there’s a good shot he’ll get clear if he breaks well. With nutty speedster Social Inclusion skipping the Belmont for the shorter Woody Stephens (a race that should suit him much better), California Chrome may not have a target to run at, and may find himself setting the pace.
What did assistant trainer Alan Sherman have to say about it? “Secretariat was number 5 in the Derby, number 3 in the Preakness, and number 2 in the Belmont. I like our draw.” While Secretariat was actually 1A in the Derby (breaking from post 10), he did share those posts in the other two races…and we all know how that turned out! Will California Chrome be the next chestnut Triple Crown winner? Find out Saturday evening on NBC.
Belmont Stakes Entries Horse / (Jockey) / Trainer
- Medal Count (R. Albarado) D. Romans
- California Chrome (V. Espinoza) A. Sherman
- Matterhorn (J. Bravo) T. Pletcher
- Commanding Curve (S. Bridgmohan) D. Stewart
- Ride On Curlin (J. Velazquez) W. Gowan
- Matuszak (M. Smith) W. Mott
- Samraat (J. Ortiz) R. Violette Jr.
- Commissioner (j. Castellano) T. Pletcher
- Wicked Strong (R. Maragh) J. Jerkens
- General A Rod (R. Napravnik) M. Maker
- Tonalist (J. Rosario) C. Clement
