Here we are again, thoroughbred horse racing lovers. It’s the third leg of the Triple Crown, one of the most prestigious and difficult to attain prizes in the sporting realm. This year we’re being set up for to either witness history or the most anticlimactic few minutes in racing. The 146th Belmont Stakes kicks off on Saturday, where California Chrome has a chance to capture the first Triple Crown since Affirmed accomplished the feat in 1978.
Naturally, California Chrome is the favorite to win, but if the colt falls short, well, at least Belmont Park enjoyed some much needed media attention. Because, let’s face it, that’s the only reason you’re tuning in. That being said, we’re here to make your Belmont experience as delightful as possible. Here are a few things, in the wise words of Alanis Morissette, “you, you, you ought to know.”
Imbibe:
As is the case with the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, the Belmont Stakes has an official drink. Why? Probably just because it doesn’t want to feel left out.
It’s aptly called the Belmont Breeze and contrary to its mellow name, it seems to be a rather stiff concoction. Here’s what you need:
- 1.5 oz Woodford Reserve (or the most accessible bourbon on hand)
- 2 oz lemonade
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
Shake over ice and serve. You know how to handle the rest.
The Field:
California Chrome may be the favorite to win the Belmont and Triple Crown with 3-5 odds, but there are spoilers aplenty in the 11-horse field. Local pony Wicked Strong will sit pretty in the 9th position at 6-1, and Tonalist in the 11th post has been levied with 8-1 odds. These figures are subject to chance just prior to post time, so be sure to choose wisely.
Belmont Start time:
Post time is when each of the horses takes to the gate to await the signal gun. The race typically starts shortly afterwards. Post time for the 146th Belmont Stakes is 6:52 p.m. ET. Coverage begins at 4:3o p.m.
Coverage:
NBC will be dominating coverage of Belmont, as it did with the Derby and Preakness, though there are plenty of different means in which to drink Saturday’s race in.
For some background on California Chrome, NBC will air its recently released 30-minute documentary California Chrome: The Unlikely Champion at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Sandwiching that will be the following:
- TODAY, CNBC and The Weather Channel will provide live reports on-site at Belmont Park
- MSNBC will air live updates Friday and Saturday
- TODAY’s Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb toast to the Belmont Stakes with Belmont Jewel cocktails
- Recaps of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness will air on NBCSN on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ET, respectively
And, for those unable to access a TV, NBC Live Extra will be live streaming the race here.
Bostinno Predictions:
We may be fair-weather fans here at BostInno, but we ‘aint bandwagon jumpers. As you’ll see, none of the BostInno editorial staff is taking California Chrome. Maybe it’s the curmudgeon in me, or my local pride, but I’m taking Wicked Strong for the upset from the 9th post with 6-1 odds. Come at me.
Lauren Landry (associate editor): “Well, JEEZ DUKES, now that I know Wicked Strong is in it, I’m going for him.”
Hayden Bird (staff writer, sports): “Gimme Matuszak at 30-1. His apparent namesake was one of the great NFL characters of all time (the same guy who also played Sloth in the Goonies). And yes, I don’t care if he’s not really named in the former Oakland Raider’s honor. It’s a sweet name, since it leads to an even more sweet nickname: Tooz.”
Nate Boroyan (staff writer, city news): Gimme Commanding Curve, at 15-1 in the 4 spot.”
Hilary Milnes (staff writer, lifestyle): “I’ll take Commissioner for no real reason!”
Alex Weaver (managing editor): “Matterhorn. #darkhorse”
Gillis Bernard (staff writer, business & tech): “Commanding Curve cause he’s super cute. Look at that stripe!!!”
