For the first time since 2005 the Belmont Stakes will feature a rubber match between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winners as Animal Kingdom and Shackleford meet again in the 143rd running of the Triple Crown’s oldest race.

Animal Kingdom, who will once again be ridden by John Velazquez, will break from the No. 9 post and opened up a 2-1 favorite. Shackleford didn’t get as a favorable of a draw, landing on the far outside as he will attempt to become the first horse ever to win the Belmont Stakes from the 12th post position.

While Animal Kingdom remains a very appealing option, it remains to be seen how Shackleford will compete from that spot and at the grueling 1 ½ mile distance that lies ahead in Saturday’s race. I didn't give him enough credit in the Preakness and it cost me. However, I am laying off Shackleford again.

A record seven Kentucky Derby horses are part of the 12-horse field for the final jewel of the Triple Crown.

Here are some additional horses that I expect to be contenders:

NEHRO – He was my pick on Derby Day and I am sticking with him here. Five weeks off should prove to do the horse well. Nehro has finished second in three straight races and the added distance that this race offers could be just what puts him in the winner’s circle.

MASTER OF HOUNDS – Like Nehro, Master of Hounds is very fresh and ready to fire. His effort in the Derby flew under the radar by many, but not me. The horse can win this race and must be considered in all exotics.

SANTIVA – Offers similar upside that Master of Hounds brings to the table, but comes with an even bigger price. A very dangerous runner.

BRILLIANT SPEED – The seventh-place finisher in the Derby is back and ready to make noise on Saturday and he’s a Belmont-based horse.

STAY THIRSTY - Another hometown horse loves the track with most of its racing success coming here. He’ll be one of the longest shots in the race, but with a big effort could play spoiler.

It's been a rough Triple Crown season so far for me at the betting windows, but I good exotic ticket cashed here can change all of that quickly.

BETS
(total wagered  = $66)

$10 WP (6) Nehro

$2 EXACTA WHEEL
Bet #1: (6) Nehro with (1) Master of Hounds/(2) Stay Thirsty /(4) Santiva/ (5) Brilliant Speed /(9) Animal Kingdom
Bet #2: (1) Master of Hounds/(2) Stay Thirsty /(4) Santiva/ (5) Brilliant Speed / (9) Animal Kingdom with (6) Nehro

$1 TRI WHEEL
(6) Nehro / (9) Animal Kingdom
with (1) Master of Hounds / (6) Nehro / (9) Animal Kingdom
with (1) Master of Hounds / (2) Stay Thirsty / (4) Santiva / (5) Brilliant Speed / (6) Nehro / (9) Animal Kingdom

Horse Racing 2011 triple crown, 143 belmont stakes, belmont stakes, nehro, animal kingdowm, shackleford, master of hounds, santiva, stay thirsty, free belmont picks