It’s the third and final race of the prestigious Triple Crown. Animal Kingdom is the early favorite coming into the 142nd Belmont Stakes. The post time is 6:35 pm today, the 11th race of the day.
The race, which will set Preakness winner Shacklford against Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, will be broadcast live on NBC Sports from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Eastern time. Versus will be broadcasting live from the track until 3:00 till 5:00 for those who want to see the races before the Belmont Stakes.
The contenders for this 142nd Belmont Stakes include some of the best thoroughbreds in racing today. In order of post position, the contenders are: Master of Hounds who came in 5th at the Kentucky Derby but didn’t race in the Preakness. Stacy Thirsty was 12th at the Derby, while Ruler On Ice didn’t race in the Derby or the Preakness. Brilliant Speed placed second in the Derby, While Nehro nearly won it, coming in second place. Nehro is the second favorite for todays race, holding 4-1 odds. Monzon takes the 7th position and is a long shot at 30-1. Prime Cut take the 8th spot, while Animal Kingdom, holding 2-1 odds, takes the 9th. Mucho Macho man put in a good effort in the Derby and the Preakness, while Isn’t He Perfect shows up in the 11th position. Closing out the field is Shackleford, the Preakness winner who now holds 9-2 odds.
General Admission for the Belmont is just $10. Anyone wanting Clubhouse admission can obtain it for just $20 per person. The gates open at 8:30 am.
Dress for the occassion is, for the most part casual. However, middrifs, cutoffs, tanktops, and shorts are forbidden in certain areas, including the Clubhouse.
Visitors to Belmont Park should be aware that alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be carried in, nor are glass containers. Coolers are allowed in the backyard area of the grandstand but not in the Clubhouse and must be brought in through the West End or Paddock entrances only. Anything brought into the facility is subject to search at the discretion of security. Smoking is also not permitted inside the Clubhouse or any seating or dining area, but is permitted at trackside and in the backyard area.
Parking at Belmont Park will open at 8:15 am. Clubhouse Parking is $40.00 per vehicle, Preferred Parking is $25 per vehicle, and General Parking is $10 per vehicle. The prices for Clubhouse and Preferred include the General Parking fee.
Pick up services such as limousines and taxis may pick up and drop off at the entrance before 6:00 pm. No pick up will be allowed after that time. For those needing a shuttle to or from Belmont Park, two courtesy shuttles are provided and will stop at various MTA LI Bus stops along their route. The shuttles will run from 10 am until 9 pm and will drop off and pick up at the Clubhouse entrance.
