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Belmont Stakes field 2023: What to know about National Treasure, Forte and other contenders

jason frakes, louisville courier journal
·2 min read
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There won’t be a Triple Crown on the line, but there is a talented field lining up for the $1.5 million, Grade 1 Belmont Stakes on June 10 at Belmont Park.

Kentucky Derby winner Mage will not compete in the Belmont, but Preakness Stakes winner National Treasure is expected to run. Also expected to compete is 2-year-old champion Forte, who was scratched as the morning-line favorite in the Kentucky Derby the morning of the race.

Here’s a look at horses being considered to compete in the Belmont. The draw is set for Tuesday, June 6. Horses are listed in alphabetical order.

Angel of Empire

Kentucky Derby contenders Angel of Empire, on the outside, and Jace's Road, inside, breeze together at the track Saturday, April 29, 2023, the week before the Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Both horses are trained by Brad Cox, who has four total contending in the Kentucky Derby May 6, 2023.
Kentucky Derby contenders Angel of Empire, on the outside, and Jace's Road, inside, breeze together at the track Saturday, April 29, 2023, the week before the Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Both horses are trained by Brad Cox, who has four total contending in the Kentucky Derby May 6, 2023.

Trainer: Brad Cox

Jockey: Flavien Prat

Sire: Classic Empire

Last race: Third in Grade 1 Kentucky Derby on May 6 at Churchill Downs

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Arcangelo

Trainer: Jena Antonucci

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Sire: Arrogate

Last race: Won Grade 3 Peter Pan on May 13 at Belmont Park

Forte

Kentucky Derby contender Forte and exercise rider Hector Ramos work at Churchill Downs Wednesday morning May 3, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher.
Kentucky Derby contender Forte and exercise rider Hector Ramos work at Churchill Downs Wednesday morning May 3, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.

Sire: Violence

Last race: Won Grade 1 Florida Derby on April 1 at Gulfstream Park

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Hit Show

Kentucky Derby contender Hit Show during a workout at Churchill Downs on Monday morning, April 24, 2023 in Louisville, Ky. The trainer is Brad Cox.
Kentucky Derby contender Hit Show during a workout at Churchill Downs on Monday morning, April 24, 2023 in Louisville, Ky. The trainer is Brad Cox.

Trainer: Brad Cox

Jockey: Manny Franco

Sire: Candy Ride

Last race: Fifth in Grade 1 Kentucky Derby on May 6 at Churchill Downs

Il Miracolo

Trainer: Antonio Sano

Jockey: Marcos Meneses

Sire: Gun Runner

Last race: Won allowance optional claiming race May 11 at Gulfstream Park

National Treasure

National Treasure with John R. Velazquez up (1) defeats Blazing Sevens with Irad Ortiz, Jr. up (7) to win the 148th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 20, 2023.
National Treasure with John R. Velazquez up (1) defeats Blazing Sevens with Irad Ortiz, Jr. up (7) to win the 148th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 20, 2023.

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: John Velazquez

Sire: Quality Road

Last race: Won Grade 1 Preakness on May 20 at Pimlico

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Red Route One

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Jockey: Joel Rosario

Sire: Gun Runner

Last race: Fourth in Grade 1 Preakness on May 20 at Pimlico

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Tapit Shoes

Trainer: Brad Cox

Jockey: Jose Ortiz

Sire: Tapit

Last race: Second in Bath House Row Stakes on April 22 at Oaklawn Park

Tapit Trice

Kentucky Derby contender Tapit Trice was in a playful mood on the backside at Churchill Downs Monday morning May 1, 2023, in Louisville, Ky.. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher.
Kentucky Derby contender Tapit Trice was in a playful mood on the backside at Churchill Downs Monday morning May 1, 2023, in Louisville, Ky.. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Luis Saez

Sire: Tapit

Last race: Seventh in Grade 1 Kentucky Derby on May 6 at Churchill Downs

Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @KentuckyDerbyCJ.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Belmont Stakes 2023 contenders: Forte, National Treasure, Tapit Trice