As if we needed a reminder that 2020 is a remarkable year, the Belmont Stakes arrives this Saturday, June 20 to kick off this year’s Triple Crown races — instead of serving as the final stop in the series. Additionally, instead of its traditional distance of one and a half miles, the Belmont this year will be run at one and an eighth miles.
What’s at stake? In addition to the $1 million, the winner of this Grade 1 stakes race earns points for the Kentucky Derby, and presumably a de facto place in history as the winner among the most unusual circumstances. So who’s a contender? The field of 10, outlined below in order of post position, is headlined by Tiz the Law – but indeed has many interested competitors and many, many connections to Horse Country!
Tap It to Win: Sired by Tapit, who stands at Gainesway Farm; trained by Mark Casse who runs on Hallway Feeds
Sole Volante: Sired by Karakontie who stands at Gainesway Farm; was raised on Hallway Feeds
Max Player: Sired by Honor Code, who stands at Lane’s End
Modernist: Sired by Uncle Mo, who stands at Coolmore America; trained by Bill Mott who runs on Hallway Feeds
Farmington Road: Sired by Quality Road, who stands at Lane’s End
Fore Left: Sired by Twirling Candy, who stands at Lane’s End
Jungle Runner: Sired by Candy Ride, who stands at Lane’s End
Tiz the Law: Sired by Constitution, who stands at Winstar Farm
Dr Post: Sired by Quality Road, who stands at Lane’s End Farm
Pneumatic: Sired by Uncle Mo, who stands at Coolmore America
For more info about these runners, their race record and connections, check out America’s Best Racing’s Cheat Sheet. We wish the best of luck to all contenders and hope for a safe and thrilling ride for all!