Belmont Newcomers To Challenge Afleet Alex-Giacomo Show

Afleet Alex and Giacomo, winners of the first two legs of the Triple Crown, headline the $1 million 2005 Belmont Stakes race on Saturday, June 11.

After Giacomo captured the Kentucky Derby as a 50-1 longshot, Afleet Alex overcame a near disaster to win the Preakness Stakes on May 21. Afleet Alex has been given more respect here and been tabbed as the overwhelming 6-5 favorite in the 1 1/2-mile race. Giacomo, third in the Preakness, is the second choice at 4-1.

This year's race marks the first time in four years that the Belmont will be run without the Triple Crown on the line. Afleet Alex is also trying to become the 18th horse to complete the Preakness-Belmont double.

But Belmont is more than just an Afleet Alex-Giacomo show. Nine other horses are out to grab the last Triple Crown race. Horses who are fresh in the race and have not gone through the rigorous workouts and edmanding races as the two contenders.

Plus the 1 1/2 distance of Belmont is a real concern.

Here are the complete Belmont starters' post position -- with jockeys, trainers, and odds:

1. Nolan's Cat - Norberto Arroyo, Dale Romans, 50-1
2. Pinpoint -- John Vasquez, Nick Zito, 20-1
3. AP Arrow -- Jerry Bailey, D. Wayne Lukas, 20-1
4. Southern Africa -- John Court, Michael Puhich, 12-1
5.Giacomo - MIke Smith, John Shireffs, 4-1
6. Watchmon -- Javier Castellano, Patrick Reynolds, 50-1
7. Andromeda's Hero -- Rafael Bejarano, Nick Zito, 15-1
8. Reverberate -- Jose Santos, Sal Russo, 6-1
9. Afleet Alex -- Jeremy Rose, Tim Ritchey, 6-5
10.Indy Storm -- Edgar Prado, Nick Zito, 20-1
11.Checov -- Gary Stevens, Patrick Biancone, 12-1

For more 2005 Belmont Stakes contenders profile and extensive coverage, check out Horses Wild's Belmont Page. Also horse racing tips, picks, and odds check out Belmont Stakes Odds, Belmont Stakes Betting, and Belmont Stakes Picks.


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Belmont, Belmont Stakes, Belmont 2005