Unique Field Gathers for 2024 Belmont Stakes at New Location

A unique field, including notable contenders like Sierra Leone, Mystik Dan, and Seize the Grey, has assembled for the 2024 Belmont Stakes at an unconventional location.

Unlike past years, this edition of the race is set to take place at the Saratoga Race Course due to ongoing renovations at the traditional Belmont Park. The change in venue has brought a shift in distance, with the race now set for 1 1/4 miles instead of the customary 1 1/2 miles.

Sierra Leone, the runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, leads the pack as the 9-5 favorite and boasts an impressive track record of consistency. Mystik Dan, the Kentucky Derby winner, aims to redeem himself after finishing second in the Preakness, keeping the Triple Crown dream alive. Seize the Grey, a surprise victor in the Preakness, is also looking to make his mark at the shortened distance.

Trained by industry stalwarts like Chad Brown and D. Wayne Lukas, the contenders are gearing up for a challenging race on the new surface at Saratoga. With riders the likes of Flavien Prat and Brian Hernandez in the mix, the competition is expected to be fierce. Previous races like the Pat Day Mile and Peter Pan Stakes have provided crucial insights into the form of these horses heading into the Belmont Stakes.

The historical significance of the event combined with the unpredictability of the track conditions sets the stage for an exhilarating race day. Fans and analysts are eagerly awaiting the clash of titans at Saratoga, with high stakes and intense rivalries adding to the excitement of this prestigious event.