How to resolve AdBlock issue? The 149th running of Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets will take place this Saturday, June 10 at Belmont Park Racetrack in Elmont, NY. Nicknamed the Test of The Champions, this Grade 1, $1.5M race is run at the distance of a 1.5 miles and the completing jewel of the Triple Crown.
With Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming and Preakness winner Cloud Computing not competing in the Belmont, it leaves a wide open field of twelve eligible 3 year-olds. All eyes have turned to 7-2 favorite Irish War Cry who drew post position 7 under jockey Rajiv Maragh for trainer Graham Motion. Other notable contenders for the Belmont Stakes are Japanese-bred second favorite, Epicharis at 4-1 odds, and Lookin at Lee, the only horse who has competed in all 2017 Triple Crown races standing at 5-1 odds.
For those who chose not to venture witness the “Run for the Carnations” from Belmont Park, get into the excitement of the day by attending one of the local Belmont Stakes events in and around Saratoga Springs:
Belmont Stakes Viewing in the National Racing Museum & Hall of Fame
National Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, 191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs. 5:30-7 p.m., Free
What better way to enjoy the Belmont than to be surrounded by horse racing history and memorabilia in the Hall of Fame Gallery? Free to the public, this event is similar to their Preakness Viewing party and will have food for and beverages for purchase from 9 Miles East Farm and Saratoga Eagle. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. For more information visit their website at racingmuseum.org.
The Saratoga Casino Simulcast
Saratoga Casino and Raceway, 342 Jefferson St., Saratoga Springs, 4-6 p.m., Free. 18+
Though there is no official Belmont Stakes party taking place at Saratoga Casino and Raceway, it is a great spot to watch the entire day’s race card. The Simulcast Room at Saratoga Casino and Raceway has ample wagering stations and wall-to-wall high definition televisions to watch the winner cross the finish line. Once paired with their affordable food and drink, it makes the Simulcast an easy bet. When the race is over, head downstairs for a few live harness races, play a few games on the slot machines or check out live music at Vapor Night Lounge that begins at 8 p.m.
Belmont Stakes Weekend with Capital OTB at City Line Bar and Grill
1200 Western Ave, Albany NY 12203, Friday June 9 & Saturday June 10,
11 a.m - 7 p.m.
Capital Off Track Betting and City Line Bar and Grill have partnered together for a two-day celebration of the Belmont Stakes Festival. Grab some friends and head below the twin bridges for food specials, live music, and a photo booth. Capital OTB’s “Betmobile” will be on for your wagering needs. Also, 10 percent of all signature drink proceeds made over those two days will go to support Saratoga WarHorse.
Do you prefer to stay close to home? Watch the Belmont from the comfort of your living room. NBC Sports Network (NBSCN) will be covering the featured stakes from Saturday’s undercard from 3-5 p.m. Starting at 5 p.m. Belmont Stakes coverage will be live on NBC until 7 p.m. The post time for the race is approximately 6:50 p.m. Wherever you do chose to celebrate the day, be safe and have fun!
