It’s no secret that important names of the racing field will be absent in the next Belmont Stakes. Todd Pletcher, trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and Bob Baffert, trainer of Preakness winner Lookin At Lucky, have decided not to show up with their talented colts in this classic race.

The decision of the two trainers is due to the fact that they want their horses to be fresh for late summer and fall to compete in races such as the Haskell, Travers and Breeders' Cup Classic. There is no doubt that the absence of the two winning horses makes the race less competitive and interesting. However, it remains a classic of the horse racing world and, as such, a race horse racing fans cannot miss.

Ice Box, First Dude and Fly Down seem to be the favorite to win the Belmont Stakes and a good choice to place bets. Fly Down will be ridden by John Velazquez and he won the Grade 2 Dwyer Stakes for three year olds at Belmont Park on 8th May. On the other hand, First Dude certainly is fast and set the pace in the Preakness and he will be ridden by Ramon Rodriguez. Finally, Ice Box, son of Pulpit, depends on how fast they go early.

Although looking at the field this year’s Belmont Stakes race may not seem as attractive as previous editions, the winner will enter the same list any other Belmont champion has entered before.