A huge variety of different races will be run on Belmont Stakes day, make no mistake about that. Belmont Stakes tickets just went on sale and the clamor for good tickets is on! The fields for the Stakes itself and the array of Belmont Stakes undercard races are now out, and they make great reading. Such variability is virtually unparalleled anywhere in thoroughbred racing.
Among the more eye-catching races on the Belmont Stakes undercard is the Just A Game Stakes (Race 7), a race ran over one mile on turf for fillies and mares. Some of the more celebrated participants are Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf winner Forever Together, rightfully the favorite this year, but who will see some stiff competition from such ladies as I Lost My Choo, who certainly fancies herself to make an impression as she tries her hoof at this level of racing. steps up in class here. The Breeders’ Cup is itself a vastly cosmopolitan race, breeding-wise, hence the name, and among others running the Just A Game Stakes we’ll see Intercontinental, Ventura and Forever Together, the current Breeders’ Cup champion. Last year’s upset, when Diamondrella beat Forever Together, coming in at 9/1 was a typical Just a Game Stakes thriller, and that’s the way Belmont Park regulars like it. There’s definitely some up and coming superstars in the Just A Game Stakes this year!
For a touch of romance there’s The Acorn Stakes (Race 9), a one mile jaunt on dirt for 3-year-old fillies. Belmont Park has its share of legendary runs, and the Acorn is possibly its top notcher. The Acorn Stakes has seen dynasties come and go over its history, including Lexington’s Calumet Farm (a Preakness ruling kingdom, it would seem) in their absolute pomp, plus many of racing’s most treasured animals. Last year’s winner, Gabby’s Golden Gal, ridden by jockey Javier Castellano, proved she was the filly of the hour when she romped home and dispelled her previous disappointment of being beaten easily in the Kentucky Oaks by the phenomenal Rachel Alexandra. This year will see the likes of Justwhistledixie, who is showing potential to almost rival Rachel Alexandra, so don’t miss out on the Acorn Stakes 2010!
Named for the winner of the 1945 Fall Highweight Handicap, the True North Handicap (Race 6) is another good race for those who like to see horses race over six furlongs (3-year-olds and up). The purse is $200,000, and it was won last year by Fabulous Strike. The True North is one of the more recent additions to the undercard, but we’ve already seen some powerful animals racing in this one.
Other notables on the Belmont Stakes undercard include Woody Stephens (three-year-olds, seven furlongs), Manhattan Handicap (3 and up, mile and a quarter, inner turf), and of course following the Manhattan Handicap, which is Race 10, is Race 11, the world-famous one million dollar Belmont Stakes, the concluding leg of the Triple Crown and the true test of what it takes to become a real champion horse. Buy Belmont Stakes tickets now and immerse yourself in the wonder and pleasure of one of racing’s finest days at the track!
Scheduled for June 11 at Belmont Park Raceway in Elmont, New York, Belmont Stakes tickets are gaining popularity! This year’s Belmont Stakes will truly be a “Test of the Champions”, like they say. Some of the most prized and passionate horse racers are out for gold, and now that Animal Kingdom won the first of the three Triple Crown races, the Kentucky Derby, everyone has got their eyes on the 2011 Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes.