June 09, 2011|By Baltimore Sun staff
Due to potentially record-breaking heat, Belmont Park has canceled live racing for today.
The heat wave is expected to break on Friday in time for the running of Saturday's Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown.
On Wednesday, Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness runner-up Animal Kingdom, who is based in Fair Hill under trainer Graham Motion, was made the morning-line favorite at 2-1. Nehro, runner-up in the Derby, was made a surprising 4-1 second choice. Preakness winner Shackleford was the 9-2 third choice.
Another Maryland horse, Monzon, was given 30-1 odds. The Sagamore Farm horse will break from the No. 7 post with Jose Lezcano aboard.
Two veteran jockeys with extensive Maryland ties, Edgar Prado and Ramon Dominguez, will have mounts on Saturday. Prado will ride Prime Cut while Dominguez will ride Mucho Macho Man.
Temperatures around Elmont, N.Y., where Belmont Park is located, were expected to reach the mid to high 90s today. Aqueduct and the air-conditioned Belmont Café will remain open for simulcasting, and NYRA Rewards telebet and internet wagering will be available.
