Rags to Riches Won't Be Against Boys

Although no firm plans have been made for the Belmont Stakes winner Rags to Riches beyond her next scheduled start, it appears she may not face colts in the Travers Stakes or at any other time this year. Her next appearance will be against fillies in the Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont Park on July 21.

Michael Tabor, the co-owner of Rags to Riches, said "I know everybody would love to see her do it again, but, for me, she's already proven herself against the boys."

Rags to Riches is undefeated this year in five starts, and she became the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes in 102 years.

Technorati tag(s): horse betting, rags to riches

Watch Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park Racetrack

Belmont is known as The Championship Track because most every major champion in racing history since the early 20th century has competed on the racecourse -- including each of the 11 Triple Crown winners.

In addition to its importance to racing, "Beautiful Belmont Park" is often called one of the best-landscaped venues in American sports -- especially because of the stately backyard park behind the grandstand, which includes the paddock in which the horses are saddled before each race. The backyard and backstretch are notable for their huge, attractive trees and landscaping, and the infield is dominated by two picturesque lakes.

The Belmont is generally not a sold-out event unless a Triple Crown is possible. In fact, it is treated almost like any other race at Belmont Park. Tickets run as cheap as $5. Even if the race does sell out, there are thousands of first-come, first-served seats that go on sale the morning of the race. Gates open at 8:30 am.

The Belmont, unlike Derby and Preakness, does not have an infield party. However, coolers are allowed in the Grandstand Backyard and Grandstand Apron areas (although not in the clubhouse). The Grandstand Backyard is a large open area with access to betting windows, and is similar to an infield party; this is the place to be if you're looking for an infield party at Belmont.

If you live in New York or you are planning to visit New Yorkin June, go down to Belmont Park and watch the Belmont 2007.

Technorati tag(s): belmont stakes

Belmont Field Will Not Feature Derby, Preakness Finishers

Street Sense, Hard Spun, Curlin. Curlin, Street Sense, Hard Spun. That's the finishing order of the horses in the 2007 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, respectively, but it's unlikely we'll see the same contenders in the 2007 Belmont Stakes.

Street Sense, the horse that posted an amazing come-from-behind victory at the Kentucky Derby, and then lost by a nose to Curlin at the Preakness (made you look!), will in all probability not make an appearance at Belmont Park on June 9th.

Street Sense's trainer, Carl Nafzger, was noncommittal, but was leaning against Belmont. "I'll talk to Mr. Tafel [owner of Street Sense], but if I was a betting man I'd take some bets against it," Nafzger said.

There's perhaps a better chance that the Preakness winner Curlin will complete the 2007 Triple Crown races, but this too, is still uncertain. "This is the stage this horse deserves and those are the caliber of races he is intended for," said trainer Steve Asmussen.

Finally, trainer of Hard Spun, Larry Jones, is also being cryptic. "I don't know," he said, referring to Belmont. "We'll discuss it."

Perhaps more likely are Chelokee, who easily won the inaugural Barbaro Stakes, and Peter Pan Stakes winner Sightseeing. Other possible Belmont contenders include four Derby horses -- Imawildandcrazyguy (finished 4th), Tiago (7th), Nobiz Like Shobiz (10th) and Great Hunter (13th).

Technorati tag(s): belmont stakes, belmont contenders