2009 Belmont Stakes

We have almost reached the end of the Triple Crown series for 2009 with the Belmont Stakes to be run this Saturday. With all of the drama of whether Rachel Alexandra was going to run or not behind us now, we can concentrate on trying to find the winner of the race.

I will probably go with Chocolate Candy, the fifth place finisher in the Derby. He has a good turn of foot and will make his move on the turn for home, and with Garrett Gomez riding, I feel good about his chances. He is fresh since he has not run since the Derby, been working very good over the Belmont surface and I think his running style will fit like a glove in this race.

Mine That Bird will be far back early and unless he gets going sooner than he did in the Derby, I think his chances are compromised. Although Calvin Borel has been riding up a storm lately, he better time his move just right or the horse will come up short.

Charitable Man will be able to make the lead and if he gets away with slow fractions, he could wire the field. He should have company on the front end though and I am hoping for a decent pace for Chocolate Candy to run at.

Maybe an exacta key with Chocolate Candy over Mine That Bird and Charitable Man will do the trick..