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2010 Belmont Stakes Contenders
6/5/10
With the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in the books, only a single race of the Triple Crown remains. That race is the Test of Champions, better known as the Belmont Stakes. It is contested over a grueling 1 ½ miles distance at Belmont Park which is nicknamed “Big Sandy” for its deep surface. Last year’s winner was Summer Bird. The colt would then go on to take the Travers Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup. Will this year’s winner be able to have as much success? Only time will tell. Let’s glance over the contenders for the Belmont Stakes.
Dave in Dixie – It’s hard to see this son of Dixie Union having an impact on the race. If he runs a career best he could possibly win, but he is definitely on the outside looking in.
Drosselmeyer – The Bill Mott trainee is a chronic underachiever. He was supposed to run huge and win the Risen Star Stakes, but only managed a 4th place finish. After that he was 3rd in the Louisiana Derby. He finished 2nd in the Dwyer Stakes as an overwhelming favorite. Maybe after finishing 4th, 3rd, and 2nd, 1st is the next place for him to go? We kind of doubt it, but he can get a piece of the pie.
First Dude – There are tons of things to like about this colt. He ran on the front end in the Preakness Stakes where he “put away” Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and dug in Gamely to finish second behind Lookin At LUcky. He is a big colt who seems to only now be figuring things out. He will love the distance and he is a HUGE threat to win the race for trainer Dale Romans and jockey Ramon Dominguez.
Fly Down – This is Nick Zito’s “other” horse. He won the Dwyer Stakes by 6 lengths last out after closing from the 7th position. He will need a swift pace and he will also have to navigate through traffic. The son of Mineshaft is clearing improving and he has many backers in his corner. If he runs back to his last race he will have a heck of a chance in this event.
Game On Dude – Never count out a Bob Baffert horse; ever. He ships this colt in after a nice victory in the Lone Star Derby. Traditionally, the LS Derby has been a weak Belmont Stakes prep.
Ice Box – He will likely be the favorite after a smashing 2nd place finish in the Kentucky Derby where he closed from next to last. He had a horrid trip in that race. If things had gone a little better for him we might be referring to him as Kentucky Derby winner Ice Box. Nick Zito made the right decision to hold him out of the Belmont Stakes. He is working up a storm and he will be the main threat to the pacesetters turning for home.
Make Music For Me – He freaked and finished 4th in the Kentucky Derby last out after a weak showing in the Bluegrass Stakes. He closed from dead last in the Run for Roses. He won’t get as fast of a pace this time around.
Spangled Star – Third in the Wither Stakes last out. He would be a shocker.
Stately Victor – He is owned by US Senate candidate Jack Conway. The son of Ghost Zapper was a surprising victor in the Bluegrass Stakes. Rumor has it that he had some physical ailments before that and he is no longer suffering from them. He is a new horse so to speak, and he is the “x” factor in the race.
Stay Put – He always runs a good race, but hasn’t been able to put the pieces together in a big stakes race yet. He failed to win both the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby. This could be his break through race.
Uptowncharlybrown – He ran 3rd in the Lexington Stakes after his trainer tragically passed away. New trainer Kiarian McLAughlin won Belmont Stakes in 2006 with Jazil.