3 minute read

It's been a long time since the American triple crown has been won, but that could all change on Saturday.

One of the major problems in winning the triple crown is that the races are relatively close together and the last race, the Belmont, is over the 2400m, a distance rarely run in the US.

The live candidate, I'll Have Another, as done nothing wrong, and as they are saying the race is his to lose. His jockey, Mario Gutierrez, hasn't ridden Belmont before but he's riding there on Thursday and Friday in minor races to get the feel of the track. He's drawn in gate 11, but that isn't necessarily a problem, which is reflected in his 4/5 quote.

The main problem will come from the horses that skipped the Preakness to prepare for this race - Dullihan, who has been working very well indeed and is on 5/1, and Union Rags, who could be more of a question at this distance and is on 6/1. Paynter, from California, should get the trip and is on 8/1. You can try a really wild outsider in the multiples - we may go for 50/1 shot Ravelo's Boy who has been working well in Florida before coming to New York.

There are several attractive races on the card, starting with the G2 True North over 1200m. Smiling Tiger is on 5/2, Giant Ryan 3/1 and one we like Caixa Electronica 4/1. You may want to go with Hamazing Destiny 8/1 as he kicked trainer D. Wayne Lukas in the head this week (he had to go to hospital as a result) and may need to win in order to apologise.

The Just A Game G1 is on turf over 1600m with 7 to run. Winter Memories is 6/5, Hungry Island 5/2 and Tapitsly 3/1.

The Woody Stephens G2 is over 1400m with 10 to run. Hierro is 5/2, Trinniberg 7/2 and Bourbon Courage 5/1.

The Manhattan G1 is over 2000m turf, with Hudson Steele on 5/2, Brilliant Speed 3/1 and Boisterous 7/2.