It seems like yesterday we were handicapping which horses would thrive in the slop at Churchill Downs in the run for the roses. Fast forward five weeks and we now have the Belmont Stakes, which is the last leg of the Triple Crown and perhaps the most wide open of the three.
Gone is Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and Preakness victor Lookin at Lucky, and added is a lot of intrigue and confusion. Twelve horses will enter the starting gate, and only four of them will be household names. That's right, eight horses will be fresh faces having not raced in either the Kentucky Derby or Preakness!
What does it take to win the Belmont? First your need stamina. The grueling Belmont distance of 1 1/2 miles will be a stiff test for these athletes, who rarely race at this distance. Conventional thinking is that a closer usually wins the Belmont; however, that couldn't be further from the truth. Tactical speed is what wins the Belmont, and whether that's loose on the lead or sitting comfortable right of the pace, that's where you need to be turning for home in order to get your picture taken.
So toss any stone-cold closers and those without speed, and be sure to demand value in a betting race that is very much up for grabs. Below are some thoughts and comments on each runner as well as realistic odds.
Good luck and enjoy!

1) Dave in Dixie - This lightly raced son of Dixie Union owns but one career victory and enters off a two month layoff. Distance shouldn't be a problem from a pedigree standpoint, but this appears to be a tall task considering he's also shipping across the country to run. You do get Super-Jock, Calvin Borel, but this one isn't for me. Pass (27-1)
2) Spangled Star - Another runner that has but one win to his credit, and that was against much lesser competition. Does have some tactical speed, but that's about all he has to offer. Longest shot on the board (55-1)
3) Uptowncharlybrown - Now here's a new face that has an outside shot to make some noise. This colt gets a major trainer switch/upgrade, and appears to be a very fresh horse for the final leg. Main concern would be that he's just a cut below the best, and we'll find that out as he turns for home. Not without a shot but demand value (13-1)
4) Make Music for Me - The Kentucky Derby 4th place finisher has since been freshened, and been working steadily for this spot for the past five weeks. Could be a forgotten horse, though his lack of speed could also be somewhat of a concern. Mixed feelings (9-1)
5) Fly Down - This colt enters off a powerful performance four weeks ago in the Dwyer, where he drilled his opponents by six long lengths. Has tactical speed, a win over the track, and secures top-jock John Velazquez. Lots to like and looks to be locked and loaded (5-1)
6) Ice Box - The Kentucky Derby runner-up will be the favorite and the one to fear. He has been freshened since his Derby run with the Belmont being his next objective. Lack of speed is a small concern as will be his relatively short odds, but he'll be flying late! (2-1)
7) Drosselmeyer - This well bred son of Distorted Humor has essentially been playing catch-up all year. He looks to be in top form now for the same connections that own Kentucky Derby champ Super Saver. Note the jock switch to Mike Smith as they may try new racing tactics. Mixed feelings (11-1)
8) Game on Dude - Great name for this gelded son of Awesome Again who appears to be a new horse with the addition of blinkers. He's shouldered a heavy schedule this spring, so how much gas is left in the tank should be a concern. Should be a pace-factor, but may get leg weary as they turn for home. Prefer others (14-1)
9) Stately Victor - This good-looking son of Ghostzapper has been a bit of an enigma this year. He does enter off a string of solid works from his eighth place finish in the Kentucky Derby, and could also be a forgotten horse with a price. More questions than answers (19-1)
10) Stay Put - Finally.....a live long-shot! This son of Broken Vow appears to have all the right tools to make an impact this Saturday. He's consistent, well-bred, and should work out a great trip with his running style. Could be a big factor ( 18-1)
11) First Dude - Ran huge in the Preakness taking the field basically wire-to-wire before folding in the last hundred yards. Same strategy will be employed here, as he'll look to clear the field early and run them off their feet. Main concern would be that the Preakness effort took too much out of him, but we won't know until the 1/4 pole. Pass (4-1)
12) Interactif - Another son of Broken Vow (think stamina when you hear that) that is trained by Kentucky Derby winning trainer Todd Pletcher. This colt was a last minute entrant, and conventional thinking suggests his current condition warrants a spot in the starting gate. Great running style that fits this race perfectly and wouldn't be surprised to see him run a big one! Dangerous (12-1)
The play is to box the following four horses: Fly Down, Ice Box, Stay Put, and Interactif
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