Horse Racing / Editor / 04 June 2009 / Leave a comment

Nick Shiambouros takes a look at the 10 runners ahead of the third leg of the Triple Crown.

This Saturday Calvin Borel will try to become the first jockey to win the Triple Crown on two different horses. Borel is reunited with Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird after winning the Preakness on the brilliant filly Rachel Alexander. Below is an analysis of all 10 runners for the Belmont Stakes.

Chocolate Candy
This son of Candy Ride comes in to this race after finishing tenth in the Kentucky Derby after meeting a lot of trouble at the start. Prior to that run he finished like a rocket to finish second to Pioneer of The Nile in the Santa Anita Derby. I think this horse has a legitimate chance in this race and will be suited by the step up to a mile and a half.

Dunkirk
I was at Gulfstream to see this horse finish second to the smart Quality Road in the Florida Derby. He disappointed in the Kentucky Derby but was badly interfered with at the start. This horse has ability but is still a little immature in my opinion.

Mr Hot Stuff
This horse has been working well at Keenland in preparation for this race. He finished a mile behind Mine That Bird in the Derby and has a lot to find.

Summer Bird
This lightly-raced individual finished a closing third in the Arkansas Derby and was finishing with some purpose in the Kentucky Derby where he finished sixth. If the race falls apart he could be involved at the finish.

Love Gov
This horse is owned and bred by socialite and philanthropist Marylou Whitney. This lady is truly one of a kind and the thoroughbred world is a far better place with her in it. Her horse has little chance in this race and I will be stunned if he finishes in the first three.

Charitable Man
He won the Peter Pan easily and has been specially prepared for this race. This horse is a legitimate threat to favourite Mine That Bird. He comes in to this race a fresh horse and could quite easily spoil the party for Calvin Borel.

Mine That Bird
This brilliant winner of the Kentucky Derby was finishing like an express train in the Preakness and just failed to overhaul Rachel Alexandra in a driving finish. This horse is as tough and honest as they come. Providing the gruelling schedule has not left a mark on this gelding then he is the one they all have to beat in this race. He will relish the long straight at Belmont and I think he will be hard to deny once he is in full stride.

Flying Pirate
I think he could run in to a place at a decent price after finishing fourth in the Preakness.

Miner's Escape
He has a lot to find against these.

Brave Victory
He was running on in the Peter Pan but faces a stiff task here.

Selections: 1, Mine That Bird; 2, Charitable Man; 3, Chocolate Candy.