The 143rd Belmont Stakes will take place today in Elmont, New York. The final leg of the Triple Crown Series will feature a number of Derby and Preakness competitors, including the Run for the Roses winner, Animal Kingdom. A product of Brazilian stallion Leroidesanimaux, the colt enters today's race as a +250 Sports Betting Odds favorite. Preakness winner Shackleford is listed at +600 moneyline odds in this evening's 1 1/2 mile race.
Animal Kingdom (Post 9), a 20 to 1 Derby 
longshot, stunned almost everyone with his inspired run at Churchill Downs. The colt not only exhibited late speed, getting by Shackleford, Mucho Macho Man, and Nehro, but it also showed plenty of stamina in the longest race of its career.
Animal Kingdom's performance under the Twin Spires made him a favorite at Pimlico two weekends ago. Many hoped the horse would go on to win the Preakness Stakes, giving it an opportunity to end a Triple Crown drought that dates back to 1978 (Affirmed).
It was not to be, though, as Shackleford put together a near wire to wire victory in Baltimore. Animal Kingdom made a late bid, but the shorter Preakness (1 3/16 mile) prohibited the colt from overtaking Dale Romans' horse as it did at the Derby.
Nevertheless, Animal Kingdom can still make history today with a Belmont Stakes victory. Aside from the 11 Triple Crown winners, only 11 horses have won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. The last to do it was Thunder Gulch in 1995.
Shackleford can also secure a special place in history if he can follow up his impressive Preakness win with a triumph this evening. The Foresty sired colt, despite being one of the favorites in today's race, looks like a longshot at this point, though.
Shackleford, a speed horse, will start the race from the far outside in Gate 12, a slot that has never produced a Belmont winner. His only hope would appear to be clearing the field early and then setting a pace that allows him to reserve something for the stretch run.
Nehro (+400), a Mineshaft colt that has finished second in its last three races (Louisiana Derby – G2, Arkansas Derby – G1, Kentucky Derby – G1), is another top contender today. The Steve Ausmussen trained horse will break from Post 6, a gate that yielded 1999 Belmont winner Lemon Drop Kid.
Coverage of the Belmont Stakes will be provided by NBC Sports. The broadcast will begin at 5:00 PM ET; post time is scheduled for 6:35 PM ET.
Animal Kingdom +250
Nehro +400
Shackleford +600
Master of Hounds +600
Mucho Macho Man +700
Santiva +1000
Brilliant Speed +1000
Stay Thirsty +2000
Prime Cut +2000
Isn't He Perfect +2500
Ruler On Ice +2800
Monzon +3000
