Small Field for Final Leg of the Triple Crown

The Belmont Stakes may be missing Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, and it may only be a field of seven, but that doesn't mean the 139th edition of the race won't be exciting. Some say that this is one of the most competitive fields in recent Belmont history. The odds makers have set Curlin, the Preakness winner, as the 6-5 favorite, a line that will likely come down by post time. The $1 million race is the longest race in the Triple Crown at 1.5 miles and is considered the "Test of the Champion." Odds makers also like Hard Spun (5-2), the horse that finished 2nd in the Derby and 3rd in the Preakness (Curlin finished 3rd in the Derby). Rags to Riches, who looks to become the first filly to win since 1905, is the third favorite at 3-1.

If you don't have plans for Saturday, why not head out to the track. For $2, race fans can enter the park and watch 13 races (the Stakes is the 11th). It's easily the best bargain around for a major sporting event. The NYRA site has directions to the track and you can also take the LIRR directly to the track.

Post time for the Belmont Stakes is 6:25 p.m., with network coverage beginning at 5 p.m. on ABC.

Photo from last year at Belmont by Tien Mao