***UPDATED after the draw with post positions, jockeys, and morning-line odds.
With the Triple Crown schedule scrambled by the COVID-19 pandemic, the June 20 Belmont S. (G1) is now the first jewel. The change in timing, preceding the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Oct. 3 Preakness (G1), has also led to a reduced Belmont distance of 1 1/8 miles.
Leading Kentucky Derby contender Tiz the Law tops the field for the Belmont, which has been added to the series of scoring races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Given its stature as a classic race, the Belmont is worth 150 points to the winner, 60 points to second, 30 to third, and 15 to fourth.
The scenario of a one-turn affair, rather than the 1 1/2-mile “Test of the Champion,” is influencing the cast. A couple of speedy types are in the mix, including Tap It to Win who is not Triple Crown-nominated.
Here are the 3-year-olds entered in the Belmont:
DR POST (Post 9), 5-1
Up-and-comer has won two straight at Gulfstream including the Unbridled S.
Owner: St Elias Stable; Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: Irad Ortiz
Pedigree: Quality Road–Mary Delaney, by Hennessy
FARMINGTON ROAD (Post 5), 15-1
Oaklawn S. runner-up exits a fourth in Nadal’s division of the Arkansas Derby (G1)
Owners: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Chrysalis Stables, Robert V. LaPenta; Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: Javier Castellano
Pedigree: Quality Road–Silver La Belle, by Langfuhr
FORE LEFT (Post 6), 30-1
California shipper has not raced since capturing the UAE 2000 Guineas (G3) on Feb. 6
Owner: Reddam Racing; Trainer: Doug O’Neill; Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Pedigree: Twirling Candy–Simply Sunny, by Unbridled’s Song
JUNGLE RUNNER (Post 7), 50-1
Clever Trevor winner has been well beaten in four straight including Charlatan’s Arkansas Derby division
Owner: Calumet Farm; Trainer: Steve Asmussen; Jockey: Reylu Gutierrez
Pedigree: Candy Ride–Minx, by Tapit
MAX PLAYER (Post 3), 15-1
Withers (G3) hero is gearing up for his first start since that Feb. 1 conquest
Owner: George E. Hall; Trainer: Linda Rice; Jockey: Joel Rosario
Pedigree: Honor Code–Fools in Love, by Not for Love
MODERNIST (Post 4), 15-1
Victor of second Risen Star (G2) division was last seen third in the Louisiana Derby (G2)
Owners: Pam & Martin Wygod; Trainer: Bill Mott; Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Pedigree: Uncle Mo–Symbolic Gesture, by Bernardini
PNEUMATIC (Post 10), 8-1
Late developer was third in his Matt Winn (G3) stakes debut
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds; Trainer: Steve Asmussen; Jockey: Ricardo Santana
Pedigree: Uncle Mo–Teardrop, by Tapit
SOLE VOLANTE (Post 2), 9-2
Sam F. Davis (G3) winner rallied for second in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and prepped with a June 10 allowance score
Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing & Andie Biancone; Trainer: Patrick Biancone; Jockey: Luca Panici
Pedigree: Karakontie–Light Blow, by Kingmambo
TAP IT TO WIN (Post 1), 6-1
Recent Belmont allowance conqueror has been supplemented
Owner: Live Oak Plantation; Trainer: Mark Casse; Jockey: John Velazquez
Pedigree: Tapit–Onepointhreekarats, by Medaglia d’Oro
TIZ THE LAW (Post 8), 6-5
Kentucky Derby points leader dominated the Florida Derby (G1)
Owner: Sackatoga Stable; Trainer: Barclay Tagg; Jockey: Manny Franco
Pedigree: Constitution–Tizfiz, by Tiznow
