5 THINGS: BELMONT STAKES

All eyes will be on Triple Crown contender American Pharoah during the race’s 147th running, writes

RESTED RIVALS

American Pharoah will be the only horse to run in all three Triple Crown races over a span of five weeks. Five of his rivals competed in the Derby and have been resting ever since. Tale of Verve skipped the Derby and finished second in the Preakness three weeks ago. Madefromlucky is the freshest horse of all; he’s been off since winning the Peter Pan Stakes over the same Belmont dirt on May 9. Frosted finished second in his only previous race at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., and he trains there. So do Madefromlucky and Materiality, both overseen by Todd Pletcher.

POOR FAVOURITES

Being the betting favourite in the Belmont has been more of a curse. The last odds-on favourite to win was Affirmed in 1978. California Chrome was the last odds-on favourite in the race, and he ended up fourth last year. American Pharoah, winner of six consecutive races, is the early 3-5 favourite, and thousands of sentimental fans figure to snatch up souvenir $2 US win tickets.

DAUNTING DISTANCE

At 1½ miles, the Belmont is the longest of the Triple Crown races. It’s an odd distance in North American racing; these 3-year-old colts have never been asked to run that far and few will again. Often times, the final quarter-mile is what does in a contender. The track’s deep, sandy surface can prove tiring, too. If enough rain falls and turns it into something resembling creamy peanut butter, give the edge to American Pharoah, who has two wins over sloppy tracks.

RUNNING STYLE

American Pharoah’s preferred running style is at or just off the pace, although he can come from behind, too. He was never worse than third in the Kentucky Derby before rallying in the stretch, and he led the entire way in the Preakness despite a deluge of rain that began as the horses were going to the starting gate. In two of his other career starts, he also led the entire way.

LUCKY SEVEN

No Triple Crown winner has faced more than seven rivals in the Belmont, and that’s how many American Pharoah will take on.