I will be handicapping the Belmont Stakes in a later post, but I want to let you know who the starters for this important horse race are.

Plus, I just might spill the beans on my early picks for the Belmont too…

First however, here are the entries and their post positions and connections:

Here are the starters for the 141st running of the Belmont Stakes to be run at Elmont, NY this Saturday, June 6, 2009.

It’s a small field of 10 because of poor performances, injuries, the long distance of the race, and timing.

It’s remarkable to note that “Mine That Bird” has evolved from a 50 - 1 longshot in the Kentucky Derby, to the favorite in the Belmont.

But, he has some formidable opponents for this race that might just be a surprise…

At this early stage in handicapping the Belmont, the best chances of a win at the window would be the 1, 2, 3, horses, all who have a chance:

1) Mine That Bird - he’s consistently trained since his victory at the Kentucky Derby and his second place finish in the Preakness three weeks ago.

2) Charitable Man - he certainly deserves the support based on his past performances and the lack of speed in this race.

3) Dunkirk - he’s only had one trouble-free race (his maiden win), and in this smaller field, he’s a standout.

Here’s an interesting factoid: Dunkirk sold for $3.7 Million - Mine That Bird sold for $9,500. wow!

Note: The Belmont is the 11th race on a 13-race card that is scheduled to begin at 11:35 a.m. Eastern. Post time for the Belmont is scheduled for 6:27 p.m. It will be seen live on ABC in a two-hour telecast beginning at 5 p.m., which follows a five-hour undercard show beginning at noon on ESPN.

I’ll give you much more info in my next post.

stay tuned…