Kentucky
Surprise Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike returns to the track for Belmont Stakes
The horse inserted the Derby at 80-1 odds — the greatest long-shot from the 20-horse discipline — after only currently being added to the competition when another horse lowered out the day prior to.
Despite the lack associated with expectation, Rich Strike increased through the field inside a dramatic lung-busting surface finish to claim the many unlikely of victories.
The Belmont is usually not only the continue jewel from the coveted Three-way Crown, recharging options the top race at one-and-a-half a long way.
The extra distance and even subsequent slower pace is usually likely to suit Wealthy Strike who has stamina levels to burn, as exhibited by his finish inside the Derby.
His users had always planned to help skip the Preakness — ending any hopes associated with a Triple Crown success this year — as a way to rest and prepare completely for the Belmont.
“It’s been an incredible journey, we’ve came up with lot associated with fun with it. The particular horse is just executing superb,” Rich Strike’s owner Rick Dawson advised reporters, before talking upwards his horse’s chances in Saturday.
“We’re not actually sure we’ve seen typically the best of him. We believe he’s just improving, consequently maybe Saturday, we’ll notice. If he steps upwards slightly, I think he / she wins this race.”
Runners
A smaller field of only eight horses will bet for victory with Mo Donegal and that we The Individuals joining Rich Strike because the bookmakers’ top 3 choices.
Epicenter, who has been an unlucky runner-up inside both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, is going to not lineup in The big apple in order to provide the horse an escape.
The connections — the users and trainers — associated with Preakness winner Early Voting have also decided not really to race the winner.
How to watch
The Belmont Stakes is defined to operate at 6:44 s.m. ET on July 11. Those the united states could watch across NBC programs.