Belmont Stakes | After wicked Derby, 'Wicked' revenge

The business writer is picking against California Chrome, which probably assures him of becoming U.S. thoroughbred racing's 12th Triple Crown winner. But I'm betting the clock in my garage -- an old racetrack promo piece with the silks of the 11 winners at 11 of the 12 hour positions -- stays current.

Race 11 – Belmont Stakes

1. Wicked Strong

2. Ride On Curlin

3. California Chrome

4. Samraat

5. Tonalist

Comment: After a wicked trip in the Kentucky Derby, Wicked Strong should benefit from a cleaner trip. Ride On Curlin should be closer and already has shown in the Preakness Stakes what he can do when his first turn out of the gate isn't a 90-degree left. California Chrome proved me wrong in the Derby. His running style is perfect to avoid trouble in a 19-horse field and he's very, very good. But the smaller field might lessen that advantage. And, while his pedigree has more back class than it got credit for five weeks ago, the average winning distance for his sire and dam collectively are the worst in the field (only Commanding Curve's 6.2 on the dam side is lower individually than both of the favorite's). If that distance limitation is ever going to come into play, it'll be the mile-and-a-half Belmont Stakes. I'll also throw in Medal Count and Commanding Curve for trifectas.