Afleet Alex, Giacomo Goes to 2005 Belmont Stakes

After Giacomo's surprise victory at the 131^st Kentucky Derby, and Afleet Alex's near-tragic finish at the 130^th Preakness Stakes (photographed), the Triple Crown races will reach its dramatic conclusion on June 11 for the 137^th running of Belmont Stakes at the Belmont Park.

The Belmont Stakes is a $1 million G1 race and is the last jewel of the Triple Crown.

Derby winner Giacomo, was shipped to California after his third place finish at Preakness. He appears to be the only other Preakness starter being considered for the 1 1/2 -mile Belmont at this time.

Afleet Alex's win at the Old Hilltop, meanwhile, has again made him the the top 3-year-old contender for Belmont.

Nick Zito, who's been enduring great blows at the tracks, will be back at Belmont most likely with Andromeda's Hero (eighth in the Derby) and Pinpoint, who won the Sir Barton Stakes on the Preakness undercard.

No word yet if Bellamy Road will make a Belmont appearance as earlier reported.

Other Belmont possibles include Buzzards Bay (fifth in the Derby), Southern Africa and Shamoan. The Belmont will be run for the first time in four years without a Triple Crown on the line.

In addition to the Belmont Stakes, Belmont Park will offer a 13-race card that will include the $400,000 Manhattan Handicap (Gr. 1), the $250,000 Brooklyn Handicap (Gr. 2), the $200,000 True North Breeders' Cup Handicap (Gr. 2), the $200,000 Riva Ridge Breeders' Cup (Gr. 2) and the $250,000 Just A Game Breeders' Cup Handicap (Gr. 2).

The Belmont Stake is the oldest thoroughbred racing in the Triple Crown series. It's 137th running will be on June 11, 2005 at Belmont Park in New York.

For Belmont racing tips, picks, and odds check out the following pages: Belmont Stakes Odds, Belmont Stakes Betting, and Belmont Stakes Picks.

Belmont, Belmont Stakes, Belmont 2005