Smarty Jones Vies for the Triple Crown

Tomorrow evening, Smarty Jones goes for the Triple Crown at Belmont Park, looking to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to accomplish horse racing's biggest feat. The Triple Crown starts with the Kentucky Derby, followed by the Preakness Stakes, and finally the Belmont Stakes tomorrow. There is plenty of Belmont coverage from The Times, from Newsday, and from the Post. The official Belmont site also has a lot of information.

Gothamist doesn't follow the ponies too much until Triple Crown season comes along, but it looks like a lot of the "experts" are picking Smarty Jones, Purge, and Rock Hard Ten in some combination to win, place, and show. Smarty Jones is currently the 2-5 favorite and is starting from the 9th gate in tomorrow's field of nine. The horse is currently undefeated at 8-0-0 and, with the win tomorrow, could become the first undefeated Triple Crown winner since Seattle Slew in 1977.

You have to wonder if the scores of New Yorkers at the race really be able to cheer for a horse from Philadelphia? Will the crowd at Belmont boo Smarty Jones like Vet fans boo players laying prone on the playing field? Gothamist will be there and cheering for Smarty, swallowing our New York pride and hoping to witness history and that our trifecta turns out. Of course, we may place some money on the long shot too.

Post time for the Belmont Stakes is approximately 6:38. If you plan on going to Belmont, read here for more information. The race will air on NBC, with coverage starting at 6 p.m.