The Triple Crown drought will last another year, but an interesting story is developing for Belmont Stakes. This year the headlines will not be about the first place finishers of the races leading up to it. Neither Super Saver, winner of the Kentucky Derby, or Lookin at Lucky, winner of the Preakness, ridden by Martin Garcia, will be posting at Belmont Park.
This leaves the second place finishers for the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, Ice Box and First Dude respectively to capture the spotlight. Ice Box, showing well despite finishing 2.5 lengths behind Super Saver, skipped the Preakness in order to prepare for the Belmont Stakes.
First Dude set the pace for the better part of the Preakness, only falling to Lookin at Lucky in the home stretch, making him a favorite to win the Belmont. The Belmont is the longest track on the Triple Crown and tends to be won by the horse who holds a contending position for the better part of the race. It is not unheard of for a deep closer to come from behind, but it is rare. First Dude has the advantage of being well rested and prepared for the Belmont, but prefers to rest behind and then advance in the last leg.
Martin Garcia will not be absent from the Belmont. He will be riding Game On Dude, winner of the Lone Star Derby in May. This would give him a chance to win his second Triple Crown race.
Other horses that will follow up from the Preakness are Yawanna Twist and Dublin. Make Music for Me and Devil May Care raced in the Kentucky Derby and will be making an appearance at the Belmont.
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