Will Belmont Finally Witness A Record After Years Of Wait And Rest?

By Author: Lee Lane-Edgar
Total Articles: 365
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‘Main Track’ or ‘Big Sandy’, Belmont Park has been one of the favourites among the racing tracks among horse race followers. One of the most prestigious race tracks also conducting the ultimate leg of the Triple Crown-the Belmont Stakes, the Big Sandy race track is a 1 ¼ mile (2.4kms) dirt track that also is the longest in American history of horse racing. Situated in Elmont, New York, this famous racetrack witnessed its first race on May 5th, 1905.

Open since, Belmont Park hosts some of the most dignified and honourable races such as the Belmont Stakes, the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Suburban Handicap and a many more prestigious races. The Belmont Stakes, scheduled for 11th June, Saturday, is the 143rd run and is also known as the ‘Test of the Champions’. The most memorable audience having attended the Triple Crown finale counted to 120,139 in 2004 when the much anticipated winner Smarty Jones win was upset by a newcomer Birdstone. Every horse from the 11 Triple Crown’s unbeatable winners has run the Belmont racetrack.

Operated by the non-profit organization Ney York Racing Association, ...
... Belmont has seen the history of horse racing contests being written since the day it opened for racing. Initially the horses were led straight from the paddock to their posts, but in 1880, Belmont Park conducted its first post parade in the whole United States. Secretariat created the most intangible record on the Belmont race track in 1973, a 31 lengths victory, setting a world record of 2:24 seconds for a distance of 1 ½ miles, after a barren 25 years gap, the last win belonging to Citation back in 1948.

This Saturday, Belmont will serve as a tug of war state between the Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom and the Preakness lead Shackleford, an even that is occurring only the 22nd time when a Deby and a Preakness winner collide. The Triple Crown once again eludes the contenders like it has been since 1978, when Affirmed swept away the title; blame it on the hectic schedules or the low endurance of all stars and superstars of racing, Triple Crown remain invincible.

The $1million purse, too much is at stake for Animal Kingdom and Shackleford. Having run down each other drastically at Pimlico grounds and the Churchill Downs respectively, audience is still trying to figure the greater mettle and choose their bets. Looking back at how unpredictable these horse racing contests get, I remember Spectacular Bid’s final leg run for the Triple Crown. No other could be a bigger favourite.

The safety pin in the hoof upsetting his Belmont Park win set the expectations straight. Belmont’s 1 ½ mile distance requires the right blend of speed, timing and stamina. A speed duel or an early fast pace could completely ruin the chances of even finishing the race let alone winning it.

The racing season began with various twists and turns, from Uncle Mo’s deteriorating health, The Factor’s hairline fracture, a bad performance from Dialed In and Archarcharch’s foot fracture and many more, the Triple Crown events were more thrilling and unforeseen than any suspense thriller. Can’t vouch for any one anymore, Animal Kingdom and Shackleford are both equally good, so one thing we all are sure of is – it is a Clash of the Titans.

If you wish to experience the same and can’t wait to see the action till Saturday, visit Horseracegame.com to select from our numerous simulations of historical and future races, join us and our online community of horse jockeys and bettors and begin racing. Challenge the predictions and the results. You will never get enough of these horse racing games.