The extra distance in the Belmont should play well for the favorite, Animal Kingdom. He ran out of room in the Preakness before he got to Shackleford, despite getting fast early fractions to set up his late run. Even in that narrow defeat, Animal Kingdom debunked the bounce theorists and proved he was not a one trick pony. He has been training well and seems well-rested. I expect he will show up and will be the one to beat.

To that point, Animal Kingdom is not the only horse who will be running late. He will face a stiff challenge from other horses coming from off the pace who are bred well for the distance. Nehro finished a game second in the Derby then skipped the Preakness to prepare for this race. He will be looking to reverse the outcome and finish ahead of Animal Kingdom. However, there is not much of a case to be made for a reversal unless undue importance is placed on the extra rest between races. Master of Hounds was many players' wise guy pick in the Derby. His fifth-place finish in the Derby proved he belongs and he will enjoy the extra distance as well. Brilliant Speed is another one who will be running late. His seventh-place finish in the Derby was particularly impressive when noting that he was forced eight wide in the final turn. He deserves a good look.

Mucho Macho Man will be well bet and should play the stalker role, racing just forward of mid-pack. Stalking positions have traditionally worked well in the Belmont, particularly when the race is not full of early speed, as is the case in this year's Belmont. He has been a hard luck horse, finding trouble and losing shoes at critical times. It is tough to say how good he is, but also tough to bet with just one win in his last seven races.

To his credit, Shackleford ran a big race in the Preakness. He surprised a lot of people by setting a respectable early pace, and still holding on for the win. He should have much less pressure on the front end this time, but the added distance will be very difficult for him.

I expect Animal Kingdom to go off closer to 3:1 and at that price is worth a win bet. Brilliant Speed is my long-shot wager. I will include Animal Kingdom, Nehro, Brilliant Speed and Santiva in my exacta and trifecta wagers.

Liam Durbin is owner/handicapper of e-ponies.com