Bellamy Road made 5-2 favorite Betting Belmont Stakes belmont stakes betting online

Trainer Nick Zito must wait two more days before finding out whether Bellamy Road will represent his third Kentucky Derby winner.But with one stroke of oddsmaker Mike Battaglia's pen yesterday, the dark bay colt provided Zito an early Derby bragging right he had previously not experienced.For the first time since saddling his first Derby starter 15 years ago, Zito will have the morning-line favorite as Wood Memorial winner Bellamy Road was installed as the 5-2 pick in the field of 20 entered yesterday.The official crowning of Bellamy Road as the horse to beat came moments after Zito selected post position 16 for the massive son of Concerto.Breaking just to his inside will be Bandini, winner of the Grade I Blue Grass Stakes and 6-1 third choice in the line."I'm happy. We got everything we wanted," said Zito, who had to pick five post positions for his legion of Derby contenders. "I like the fact that Bellamy Road will get the chance to run (in the clear). He's the favorite. He's on the outside, and that is just what we wanted."The No. 16 post has produced three winners in the Derby's 131-year history, but all three have come in the past 10 years with Thunder Gulch (1995), Charismatic (1999) and Monarchos (2001).For all the analysis that went into determining the best starting points for his arsenal, Zito got down to basics when asked what it will take for Bellamy Road to join Strike the Gold and Go for Gin as his Derby champions."Obviously he has to run a mile and a quarter faster than the other 19 horses," Zito said. "That's No. 1. But No. 2 is having a clear shot at it if he's going to be a really top horse. This is a very good group of three-year-olds."Of course there is pressure, but it's a good kind of pressure. I stole that line from (Seattle Slew's trainer) Billy Turner when he was asked 'How did you handle that pressure?' His response was 'There's more pressure without Seattle Slew.' "Although Bellamy Road hasn't faced heavy pressure during his two run-away triumphs this season, he will be surrounded by a couple of speedsters who might not make his life as easy in the early going.Spanish Chestnut, who set a hot early pace in the Blue Grass Stakes, will start from post 13 while fellow 50-1 long shot Going Wild figures to make a run for the lead out of post No. 19.All of that could play right into the hands of 9-2 second choice Afleet Alex. The son of Northern Afleet worked his stalking style to perfection during his 8-length win in the Grade II Arkansas Derby and will be in prime position to settle in behind the leaders from post position 12."I like where we are," trainer Tim Ritchey said. "I like that (jockey Jeremy Rose) is sitting outside of Jerry Bailey, and I like that Bellamy Road is outside of us because he's going to have to commit in order to get where he needs to get before he goes into the first turn. I think we can follow behind that first group of speed horses."Most of the favorites opted for outside positions, but trainer Bobby Frankel chose post No. 6 for Louisiana Derby winner High Limit."I'm a great believer in saving ground, and he's probably going to break real well and be up with those leaders," Frankel said. "I don't like losing too much ground. We'll just hope for a little luck in the race and see if he's good enough."For the first time in his Derby career, Zito has the odds in his favor. That doesn't mean the jackpot has become any easier to claim, however."The only way Nick is going to feel bad is if he doesn't win," said trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who started five Derby horses in 1996 and will saddle Going Wild this year."You have to feel good going in. I've been in that position, and I can relate to what he's going through. It's tough to lose with one, but it's really tough to go out there with two or three or more. But I'd still like to trade seats with him."

Full Field of 20 for Kentucky Derby Betting Belmont Stakes belmont stakes betting online

As expected, the names of 20 colts and geldings were dropped into the entry box for Saturday's $2-million Kentucky Derby (gr. I) at Churchill Downs. The connections of Bandini will be the first to pick a post position, while the connections of Buzzards Bay will go last.Post positions will be selected at 5 p.m. EDT Wednesday. The process will be covered live on ESPN Sportscenter. The order of selection was determined Wednesday morning in the Churchill Downs racing office when entries for the Derby were taken.Here's the order of post selection for the 3-year-olds entered in the Derby:1--Bandini (John Velazquez)2--Afleet Alex (Jeremy Rose)3--Greeley's Galaxy (Kent Desormeaux)4--Flower Alley (Jorge Chavez)5--High Limit (Ramon Dominguez)6--Giacomo (Mike Smith)7--Noble Causeway (Gary Stevens)8--Wilko (Corey Nakatani)9--Greater Good (John McKee)10--Bellamy Road (Javier Castellano)11-Andromeda's Hero (Rafael Bejarano)12--Spanish Chestnut (Joe Bravo)13--High Fly (Jerry Bailey)14--Don't Get Mad (Tyler Baze)15--Coin Silver (Pat Valenzuela)16--Sun King (Edgar Prado)17--Closing Argument (Cornelio Velasquez)18--Sort It Out (Brice Blanc)19--Going Wild (Jose Valdivia Jr.)20--Buzzards Bay (Mark Guidry)Trainer Nick Zito has the most Derby entrants with five. They are, in post-selection order, Noble Causeway (seventh), Bellamy Road (10th), Andromeda's Hero (11th), High Fly (13th), and Sun King (16th).

Kentucky Derby Beefing Up Drug Testing Betting Belmont Stakes belmont stakes betting online

Thoroughbred racing is joining the crackdown on drug cheats. The 20 horses expected to start in Saturday's Kentucky Derby will be scrutinized for illegal substances as much if not more so than their human counterparts in other sports. All horses at the Derby will undergo pre-race blood tests for alkalizing agents called "milkshakes" that help alleviate fatigue, and then a "super test" to screen post-race urine samples, which can detect about 140 different drugs. The second test will also be used at the two other Triple Crown races, the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. It was administered at last year's Breeders' Cup. No horse tested positive."Racing has a serious drug problem, and a huge perception problem that is especially bothersome in a sport that depends on public confidence for our main revenue stream," C. Steven Duncker, chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association's Graded Stakes Committee, said Monday. Starting Thursday, the Churchill Downs barns of Derby horses will be watched by an independent team of investigators from the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau and the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority. Also patrolling the grounds will be local police, sheriff's deputies and private security guards hired by the track. The stricter post-race testing was mandated by the graded-stakes committee, and applies to the Derby as well as all the other major races in the United States. "It's been a long, hard haul to get here because each state sets it own policy," Duncker said, "but it seems like the industry is getting serious very quickly about this issue." Officials are not worried that "juiced up" horses will go out and run in record times, they just want to reassure fans that no horse has an unfair advantage. Triple Crown winner Secretariat, for example, still holds the Derby record for 1 1/4 miles at 1:59 2/5 in 1973. Only one other horse, Monarchos in 2001, has broken 2 minutes. A total of 13 racing jurisdictions have agreed to the uniform guidelines of the "super test" and another 13 are expected to follow by the end of the year.

Afleet Alex and High Limit early favorites in Stakes Races Betting Belmont Stakes belmont stakes betting online

Afleet Alex was made an early 2-1 favorite Wednesday for the $1 million Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.Greater Good, the winner of the Southwest Stakes and the Rebel, opened as a 5-2 choice for Saturday's 1 1-8 mile race.Greater Good will start from the outside post position, while Afleet Alex will be in the six post in the 10-horse field.Batsons Challenge, third in the Rebel, will start on the rail. Rockport Harbor was second in the Rebel but later developed a blood clot. He will skip the Arkansas Derby and instead run next week at Keeneland.Meanwhile Undefeated High Limit will begin as the 9-5 favorite for the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. Track oddsmaker Mike Battaglia on Wednesday gave the Louisiana Derby winner a slight nod over Sun King, who will start at 2-1 on the morning line. Consolidator will start at 7-2 and Bandini at 4-1. All four horses are considered Kentucky Derby probables. Seven horse betting are entered in Saturday's 1 1-8-mile Grade I race.High Limit, trained by Bobby Frankel, won both of his starts as a 2-year-old before his four-length win in the Louisiana Derby on March 12. His regular jockey, Ramon Dominguez, will ride the son of Maria's Mon in the Blue Grass Stakes. Frankel won the 2003 Blue Grass with Peace Rules. Sun King is one of five Derby hopefuls trained by Nick Zito, who has won the Blue Grass a record-tying three times, including last year with The Cliff's Edge. Sun King has won three of six starts, including a 3 1-4-length decision in the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby on March 19. Edgar Prado will ride Sun King. Consolidator, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, is the most experienced horse in the field. The son of Storm Cat will be making his 10th career start. He won the Grade II San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita in his last start and won his last start at Keeneland, the Grade I Lane's End Breeders' Futurity last October. Bandini, trained by Todd Pletcher, was second in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park in his last start. Bandini's sire is 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus. The other horses in the field will be Closing Argument (10-1), Spanish Chestnut (15-1) and Mr Sword (30-1).

Rockport Harbor off Triple Crown trail Betting Belmont Stakes belmont stakes betting online

Rockport Harbor, a former top contender for the Kentucky Derby, is off the Triple Crown trail.Owner Rick Porter decided not to run the injury-plagued 3-year-old colt in any Triple Crown races after a poor showing in the Lexington Stakes on Saturday, the final prep race for the Derby.Rockport Harbor trainer John Servis and jockey Stewart Elliott, who helped lead Smarty Jones to wins in the Derby and Preakness Stakes last year, will now point the colt toward stakes races in the summer.Rockport Harbor was sixth in a seven-horse field at the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday, a finish that prompted Porter to make a tough decision."We could probably get him ready for the Preakness and the Belmont, but in our judgment, giving him a break and pointing to some good summer stakes is the better option for him," Porter said Sunday in a posting on Rockport Harbor's Web site.Unbeaten in four starts as a 2-year-old, Rockport Harbor has struggled with health problems, including a gash in his right rear leg and a blood clot in his neck.In his only other race this year, Rockport Harbor finished second by a half-length to Greater Good in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park."He has missed a lot of training and gotten off his schedule for the Triple Crown," Porter said. "He will ship back to Philadelphia Park ... and resume training."When John (Servis) feels he is settled enough and training great, we will look for a race. Some early thoughts are to eventually point for the Haskell or Travers."

PVal to Ride Coin Silver, General John B Out Betting Belmont Stakes belmont stakes betting online

Lexington Stakes winner Coin Silver will be ridden by Pat Valenzuela in the Kentucky Derby.Photo: Anne M. EberhardtAn ugly, rainy morning, and no Kentucky Derby (gr. I) works made for a funky Friday. The action, however, should be hot and heavy on Saturday with several Derby workers, including Nick Zito's threesome of Bellamy Road, High Fly, and Noble Causeway. But if the track hasn't dried sufficiently, those works could be postponed until Sunday. The Derby lost one prospective starter when it was announced Friday that Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) runner-up General John B will not run due to a tendon injury to his left front leg. The big news on the jockey front is the announcement that Pat Valenzuela will ride Coolmore Lexington (gr. II) winner Coin Silver, who will definitely be one of the live longshots following his impressive score at Keeneland. The addition of PVal moves him up even more. One of the main topics has been the status of Greeley's Galaxy, who has been right on the bubble in regard to making it into the field. Right now, he is sitting at number 20, with the defection of General John B. But will any late comers pop into the picture? Owner B. Wayne Hughes also has Don't Get Mad running in Saturday's Derby Trial Stakes, and a victory would earn him a berth in the Derby field. Hare Today, Gone Tomorrow Many people are convinced that Spanish Chestnut's new role in life is to ride shotgun for Bandini, who is not exactly Silky Sullivan and in need of a rabbit. The son of Horse Chestnut helped take down High Limit in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I), by making him chase a horse for the first time in his career, and do it through rapid fractions. Now, it's been announced by trainer Patrick Biancone that a workout Sunday will determine whether Spanish Chestnut runs in the Derby. So, are owners Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, who own both Spanish Chestnut and Bandini, stirring up another Hasenpfeffer stew for likely favorite Bellamy Road on May 7? Biancone says if Spanish Chestnut does run in the Derby, it will have nothing to do with Bandini, and nothing to do with the owners, who have left the decision strictly up to him. "Number one, it's the Kentucky Derby," Biancone said. "Number two, the horse is qualified to run on his own merits. He hated the ground at Turfway and his race in the Blue Grass wasn't that bad. And number three, he will only run if I find him in great form. I want to see how he moves over the track. When I ran Lion Heart last year, everyone said he couldn't stay a mile and a quarter." So, although it looks as if Spanish Chestnut is heading for the Derby, we'll have to wait until Monday to find out for sure. If he does run, you can bet people will still think he's in there to torpedo George Steinbrenner's big, bay battleship and anyone else planning to wing it out on the lead. "We're not hiding anything," Biancone said. "Everyone knows my horse is going to the front. He's a fast, tough horse with plenty of seasoning, and you don't need to be the best horse, only the best horse on May 7. It's like the cat and the rat. Sometimes the cat wins and sometimes the rat wins." When asked which one Spanish Chestnut was – the cat or the rat -- Biancone replied, "I'll have to think about that one." Another decision that likely will raise more than a few eyebrows is D. Wayne Lukas' plan to run Going Wild, a one-time promising colt whose career has suddenly veered off course following two dreadful performances. But he, like Spanish Chestnut, has a date with the Churchill Downs starter on May 7, even though his owners, Bob and Beverly Lewis, have a legitimate shot with Consolidator, who is always on or near the lead. Lukas said Going Wild was inexplicably listless in the Wood Memorial (gr. I), in which he was beaten 41 lengths, and couldn't handle the sloppy Keeneland surface in the Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II). So, he likely will give him another chance to redeem himself. That will add yet another horse with speed to the mix, one who interestingly has a similar running style to his stablemate. Lukas has always been a big believer in this colt's ability, and he obviously has totally discarded those last two races. How the decision will affect the outcome of the Derby, and the colt's future, is anyone's guess. In Other Derby News -- Thursday's two wild workers, Greater Good and Greeley's Galaxy, both came out their unusual moves in good shape. Exercise rider Mikki Fincher, who was aboard Greeley's Galaxy, said the son of Mr. Greeley/sr> was feeling good this morning, but she was still sore from the one-mile-plus ordeal. Bob Holthus, trainer of Greater Good, said the son of Intidab also was in excellent shape this morning following his bout with pre-work rankness. "After watching the work on TV last night, he still went the last quarter in :26, so he got something out it," Holthus said. "I think we'll just gallop him into the race. He's (jockey John McKee) just gonna' have to grab hold of him coming out of the gate. Before, he didn't have to do that. But we'll get him figured out." -- Today's rain forced Nick Zito to bring out his three Derby horses, Bellamy Road, High Fly, and Noble Causeway, later than usual (Sun King and Andromeda's Hero worked yesterday). When the rain finally stopped around 7:30, Bellamy Road came out for a good gallop, giving a couple of little slips on the slick track. It was good to finally see this grand-looking colt in daylight. He has such long, powerful strides, Zito said all he wants is for him to have a clear run in the Derby and not get stopped. High Fly has been tough in some of his gallops, and should be pretty sharp coming off a five-week layoff, as will Noble Causeway. -- Afleet Alex returned to his dual-training schedule, coming out a little after 6 o'clock for an easy jog, then returning following the renovation break for a once-around gallop. He skipped over the slop as if he'd been running on it all his life, showing once again that there is nothing that bothers this horse. Whatever you want him to do, he does, pure and simple. There is no doubt they found a gem when they picked out this horse. -- Bandini and Coin Silver again came out in the first set at 6 o'clock, as did Consolidator. For the past two days, the horses have had to circle for several minutes, waiting for the track to open, and Bandini has not raised a hair. Judging from his races and his behavior, it looks as if this one-time juvenile delinquent has finally grown up into a mature professional. -- Wilko is scheduled to work at Hollywood Park Saturday, then fly to Louisville on Sunday. He will take up residence in the barn of Wally Dollase, whose son, Craig, trains the son of Awesome Again. -- Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Buzzards Bay will work six furlongs at Santa Anita Monday, then ship to Churchill on Wednesday.

PVal to Ride Coin Silver, General John B Out Betting Belmont Stakes belmont stakes betting online

Lexington Stakes winner Coin Silver will be ridden by Pat Valenzuela in the Kentucky Derby.Photo: Anne M. EberhardtAn ugly, rainy morning, and no Kentucky Derby (gr. I) works made for a funky Friday. The action, however, should be hot and heavy on Saturday with several Derby workers, including Nick Zito's threesome of Bellamy Road, High Fly, and Noble Causeway. But if the track hasn't dried sufficiently, those works could be postponed until Sunday. The Derby lost one prospective starter when it was announced Friday that Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) runner-up General John B will not run due to a tendon injury to his left front leg. The big news on the jockey front is the announcement that Pat Valenzuela will ride Coolmore Lexington (gr. II) winner Coin Silver, who will definitely be one of the live longshots following his impressive score at Keeneland. The addition of PVal moves him up even more. One of the main topics has been the status of Greeley's Galaxy, who has been right on the bubble in regard to making it into the field. Right now, he is sitting at number 20, with the defection of General John B. But will any late comers pop into the picture? Owner B. Wayne Hughes also has Don't Get Mad running in Saturday's Derby Trial Stakes, and a victory would earn him a berth in the Derby field. Hare Today, Gone Tomorrow Many people are convinced that Spanish Chestnut's new role in life is to ride shotgun for Bandini, who is not exactly Silky Sullivan and in need of a rabbit. The son of Horse Chestnut helped take down High Limit in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I), by making him chase a horse for the first time in his career, and do it through rapid fractions. Now, it's been announced by trainer Patrick Biancone that a workout Sunday will determine whether Spanish Chestnut runs in the Derby. So, are owners Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, who own both Spanish Chestnut and Bandini, stirring up another Hasenpfeffer stew for likely favorite Bellamy Road on May 7? Biancone says if Spanish Chestnut does run in the Derby, it will have nothing to do with Bandini, and nothing to do with the owners, who have left the decision strictly up to him. "Number one, it's the Kentucky Derby," Biancone said. "Number two, the horse is qualified to run on his own merits. He hated the ground at Turfway and his race in the Blue Grass wasn't that bad. And number three, he will only run if I find him in great form. I want to see how he moves over the track. When I ran Lion Heart last year, everyone said he couldn't stay a mile and a quarter." So, although it looks as if Spanish Chestnut is heading for the Derby, we'll have to wait until Monday to find out for sure. If he does run, you can bet people will still think he's in there to torpedo George Steinbrenner's big, bay battleship and anyone else planning to wing it out on the lead. "We're not hiding anything," Biancone said. "Everyone knows my horse is going to the front. He's a fast, tough horse with plenty of seasoning, and you don't need to be the best horse, only the best horse on May 7. It's like the cat and the rat. Sometimes the cat wins and sometimes the rat wins." When asked which one Spanish Chestnut was – the cat or the rat -- Biancone replied, "I'll have to think about that one." Another decision that likely will raise more than a few eyebrows is D. Wayne Lukas' plan to run Going Wild, a one-time promising colt whose career has suddenly veered off course following two dreadful performances. But he, like Spanish Chestnut, has a date with the Churchill Downs starter on May 7, even though his owners, Bob and Beverly Lewis, have a legitimate shot with Consolidator, who is always on or near the lead. Lukas said Going Wild was inexplicably listless in the Wood Memorial (gr. I), in which he was beaten 41 lengths, and couldn't handle the sloppy Keeneland surface in the Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II). So, he likely will give him another chance to redeem himself. That will add yet another horse with speed to the mix, one who interestingly has a similar running style to his stablemate. Lukas has always been a big believer in this colt's ability, and he obviously has totally discarded those last two races. How the decision will affect the outcome of the Derby, and the colt's future, is anyone's guess. In Other Derby News -- Thursday's two wild workers, Greater Good and Greeley's Galaxy, both came out their unusual moves in good shape. Exercise rider Mikki Fincher, who was aboard Greeley's Galaxy, said the son of Mr. Greeley/sr> was feeling good this morning, but she was still sore from the one-mile-plus ordeal. Bob Holthus, trainer of Greater Good, said the son of Intidab also was in excellent shape this morning following his bout with pre-work rankness. "After watching the work on TV last night, he still went the last quarter in :26, so he got something out it," Holthus said. "I think we'll just gallop him into the race. He's (jockey John McKee) just gonna' have to grab hold of him coming out of the gate. Before, he didn't have to do that. But we'll get him figured out." -- Today's rain forced Nick Zito to bring out his three Derby horses, Bellamy Road, High Fly, and Noble Causeway, later than usual (Sun King and Andromeda's Hero worked yesterday). When the rain finally stopped around 7:30, Bellamy Road came out for a good gallop, giving a couple of little slips on the slick track. It was good to finally see this grand-looking colt in daylight. He has such long, powerful strides, Zito said all he wants is for him to have a clear run in the Derby and not get stopped. High Fly has been tough in some of his gallops, and should be pretty sharp coming off a five-week layoff, as will Noble Causeway. -- Afleet Alex returned to his dual-training schedule, coming out a little after 6 o'clock for an easy jog, then returning following the renovation break for a once-around gallop. He skipped over the slop as if he'd been running on it all his life, showing once again that there is nothing that bothers this horse. Whatever you want him to do, he does, pure and simple. There is no doubt they found a gem when they picked out this horse. -- Bandini and Coin Silver again came out in the first set at 6 o'clock, as did Consolidator. For the past two days, the horses have had to circle for several minutes, waiting for the track to open, and Bandini has not raised a hair. Judging from his races and his behavior, it looks as if this one-time juvenile delinquent has finally grown up into a mature professional. -- Wilko is scheduled to work at Hollywood Park Saturday, then fly to Louisville on Sunday. He will take up residence in the barn of Wally Dollase, whose son, Craig, trains the son of Awesome Again. -- Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Buzzards Bay will work six furlongs at Santa Anita Monday, then ship to Churchill on Wednesday.

Greeley's Galaxy Displays Fitness in Thursday Workout Betting Belmont Stakes belmont stakes betting online

B. Wayne Hughes' Greeley's Galaxy worked a mile at Churchill Downs Thursday, displaying his readiness for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), according to 83-year-old veteran California trainer Warren Stute. After leaving the starting gate under exercise rider Mikki Fincher, Greeley's Galaxy began the work at the eighth pole and went a mile in 1:40 3/5. "It was a little fast," said Stute, who declared his colt fit after the work. "He's in good enough shape, if he gets beat it won't be because he's not fit." Under the care of Stute's son Glen, the chestnut son of Mr. Greeley vanned to Churchill Downs over the weekend from Chicago's Arlington Park. Before the work, Stute said his shipper came "just perfect. "He's a nice, big colt with a good temperament, he travels well and he's got a lot of sense about him," Stute said. Before the workout just after the 8:30 maintenance, Stute said he was hoping for "a slow mile, and then maybe sneak in an extra quarter." Stute said the colt would work again three or four days before the Derby, and Kent Desormeaux was booked to ride Greeley's Galaxy on race day. Owner Hughes was happy with the performance and on hand at Al Stall's Barn 47 where Stute is setting up shop. "He worked very nicely," said Hughes. "He had a good, hard gallop out. Warren's from the old school, and he has his own way of doing things. At this point we just hope we'll get in." Because Greeley's Galaxy was not nominated to the Visa Triple Crown Challenge during the early or late nomination periods, he will have to be supplemented to the Derby at a cost of $200,000. If 20 or more horses are entered in the Derby, preference will be given to horses that were Triple Crown nominees to the exclusion of Greeley's Galaxy. After breaking his maiden in his second career start, Greeley's Galaxy won an allowance race at Santa Anita before shipping to the Midwest to take the Illinois Derby (gr. II) by 9 1/2 lengths as the favorite.