Belmont Stakes 2014 Schedule, Date, Odds, Live Stream, Post Times and Positions: California Chrome Looks to Make History
The race for the Triple Crown continues as Victor Espinoza and his horse California Chrome are attempting to become the first Triple Crown winner since Steve Cauthen rode Affirmed in 1978 as the 146th edition of the Belmont Stakes kicks off Saturday at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.
In the last 36 years, there have been 11 different horses to win the first two legs (Kentucky Derby and the Preakness), but all have failed to win the Belmont and achieve all time great status.
Let's take a look at the favorites according to odds makers.
1. California Chrome, 3-5 (post 2)
2. Wicked Strong, 6-1 (post 9)
3. Tonalist, 8-1 (post 11)
4. Ride On Curlin, 12-1 (post 5)
5. Commanding Curve, 15-1 (post 4)
6. Medal Count, 20-1 (post 1)
7. Commissioner, 20-1 (post 8)
8. General A Rod, 20-1 (post 10)
9. Samraat, 20-1 (post 7)
10. Matuszak, 30-1 (post 6)
11. Matterhorn, 30-1 (post 3)
Of course all eyes will be on California Chrome, but this field is tough. This will be his most difficult test yet. Of the 11 Triple Crown winners, all went up against a field of fewer than eight opponents. If Chrome were to win this year's Belmont Stakes, it would be the largest victory ever for a Triple Crown winner at the Belmont Stakes. Incredibly, Espinoza and Chrome are a perfect six for six with each other.
Espinoza remembers what happened in 2002, when he won the first two legs with War Emlem but stumbled out of the gate at that year's Belmont. Espinoza has said multiple times Chrome is the superior horse.
Historically speaking, the No. 2 post has been favorable for horses. Only three other starting posts have been more successful, one, three and five. The first post has been very beneficial to jockeys in the past with 23 winners, which sets up good for Medal Count. The race will be held in Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, and over 100,000 people will be present. This is the longest race of the three legs, spanning a mile and a half in length.
Luckily the race will be televised for viewers.
Date, Time, Schedule, Where to Watch
Pre-race coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. EST on NBC. Then, the horses will take to their posts at around 6:45 p.m. From that point on, the two and a half minute showcase will begin. For live streaming of the race, go to NBC Sports Live Extra.
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