2005 BELMONT STAKES: THE NEW CONTENDERS

The 2005 Belmont Stakes is just three days away. On the 11th day of June, 2005, eleven horse contenders will fly out of the gates and engage in a battle to decide who will come out on top for the conclusion of this year's race for the Triple Crown title. With the said title gone this year from Giacomo's demise at the Preakness Stakes, these horse contenders will just fight for pride and redemption. And where else to do that but in New York City.

However, in this leg of the race, the field will be different. In fact, it will be eight horses different. Three horse contenders remain from the last two battles to fight for redemption. The said three contenders are none other than 2005 Kentucky Derby Winner Giacomo, 2005 Preakness Stakes Winner Afleet Alex and fallen Kentucky Derby contender who will be out for revenge, Andromeda's Hero.

The remaining eight contenders will be newcomers, setting the stage for a brand new playing field.

First, we have A.P. Arrow, a contender who was supposed to challenge for the recently held Preakness Stakes but was replaced by stable mate, Going Wild. A.P. Arrow is a maiden running in a Grade 1 race. However, don't let that fool you as this contender is not only a son of Belmont Stakes Winner A.P. Indy but also a half-brother to Geri, a multiple graded stakes winner.

Then there's Southern Africa, a One Star Derby winner. Southern Africa will be one of the more lightly raced horses in the Belmont Stakes with just four races under his belt.

A contender named Watchmon will not live up to his namesake, being a mere spectator to the 2005 Belmont Stakes because he will certainly take part in it. Watchmon became a potential Belmont Stakes starter after breezing three furlongs over Belmont's inner turf course in :37. Watchmon is certainly a contender not to be taken lightly.

There's Pinpoint, a contender that will hope to pinpoint victory on June 11. Pinpoint is a Sir Barton Winner who has only lost once in his four-race career. Nick Zito said Pinpoint did not race last year because they had to fire his shins and take their time, the normal two-year old stuff.

Reverberate is also another newcomer at the coming 2005 Belmont Stakes. Reverberate was running in allowance races this year until last out when he was a runner-up in the Peter Pan Stakes, losing to Oratory. Redemption is the theme at this year's Belmont Stakes and Reverberate just might have just that.

A colt named Chekhov will also be starting at the 2005 Belmont Stakes. Chekhov was the 3-2 Peter pan favorite owned by Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. Chekhov was a $3.3 million colt but has yet to live up to that price.

Nolan's Cat is one of those horses looking to settle old scores with his rivals. He lost to A.P. Arrow, a contender who will also be starting for the 2005 Belmont Stakes. Nolan's Cat is also a runner-up finish to Coin Silver and a third-place effort behind Noble Causeway.

Last but not the least, there's one remaining colt who will complete this year's newcomers for the 2005 Belmont Stakes. This colt will certainly be the storm that will sweep all other horse contenders from their heels. He also happens to be my pick for this leg of the race.

Indy Storm.

Indy Storm is another horse trained by the legendary Nick Zito. Indy is owned by Tracy Farmer from the state of Kentucky and hold a solid three-year old win in Pimlico.

In Indy Storm, Nick Zito could find himself a good and solid contender no one has heard of, at least from the past two horse wars in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.

Indy Storm is certainly ready for the challenge ahead. For the rest of the horse contenders that will come to New York City for the 2005 Belmont Stakes, they might as well take cover because a storm is coming.

For more sports betting odds, visit Sports Betting Tips & Game Handicapping Picks.

In celebration of the 2005 Belmont Stakes, you can click on 2005 Belmont Stakes Betting Picks and 2005 Belmont Stakes Betting Odds for my coverage of the latest horse war this year.

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2005 Belmont Stakes, Horse Betting