First look at the field

We’ve reached Belmont Week — only two weeks late, though it feels much later as the Triple Crown schedule has been overhauled. The 152nd Belmont Stakes is now first up on the calendar and has been shortened from 1 ¹/2 miles to 1 ¹/8 miles, and there will be no fans. Here’s a look at the probable field, with odds from horseracingnation.com:

TIZ THE LAW

Trainer: Barclay Tagg | Jockey: Manuel Franco | Odds: 1-1

Last Race: 1st, Florida Derby

Franco on Sunday after his final work: “I think we have the best horse in the race.” Sure do. Legit favorite’s the one to beat after winning the Grade 1 Florida Derby by 4+, earning triple digit fig. Won the Grade 1 Champagne here in his 2-yearold campaign.

SOLE VOLANTE

Trainer: Patrick Biancone | Jockey: Luca Panici | Odds: 9-2

Last Race: 1st, allowance

Runner-up in the Tampa Bay Derby before defeating a strong field, including stakes winner Ete Indien on June 10. Can he win the Belmont off the quick turnaround? “Flying Sun” will be flying late.

TAP IT TO WIN

Trainer: Mark Casse | Jockey: John Velazquez | Odds: 8-1

Last Race: 1st, allowance

D. Wayne Lukas won three straight Belmonts from 1994-96. No handler has gone back-to-back since. Casse conditioned Sir Winston last year and sends this colt out off an easy 1 1/16mile score over the Belmont oval only two weeks ago.

PNEUMATIC

Trainer: Steve Asmussen | Jockey: Ricardo Santana | Odds: 8-1

Last Race: 3rd, Matt Winn

Still a maiden after two starts, Asmussen gave him the green light for the Belmont after pointing Basin to the Blue Grass. Another front runner who may benefit from the shorter distance.

DR POST

Trainer: Todd Pletcher | Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. | Odds: 10-1

Last Race: 1st, Unbridled Stakes

Stretched out and relished the extra ground. Todd Pletcher on the Dr.: “I was impressed. He was able to get going at 7/8, and get up in time, stretching to 1 1/16 miles. 1 ¹/₈ miles should suit him well.”

MAX PLAYER

Trainer: Linda Rice | Jockey: TBD | Odds: 15-1

Last Race: 1st, Withers

His road to the Derby via New York started with a win in the Withers at this distance (two turns) at Aqueduct. But the Wood Memorial was canceled, the Derby pushed back. Rice: “He hasn’t run in five months. I spaced his works out every two weeks since the pandemic.”

MODERNIST

Trainer: Bill Mott | Jockey: TBD | Odds: 15-1

Last Race: 3rd, Louisiana Derby

Has speed and the “Test of the Champion” has been reduced to 11 furlongs and one turn. Broke from the outside at Arkansas and lost ground into the clubhouse turn. Mott still undecided on whether to enter him on Wednesday.

FARMINGTON ROAD

Trainer: Todd Pletcher | Jockey: Javier Castellano | Odds: 20-1

Last Race: 4th, Arkansas Derby

Has one win from six starts after moving belatedly in the Risen Star, Oaklawn Stakes and the Arkansas Derby. Stretchrunning longshot needs it fast up front and will have to hang a bit closer making one turn.

JUNGLE RUNNER

Trainer: Steve Asmussen | Jockey: Reylu Gutierrez | Odds: 30-1

Last Race: 8th, Arkansas Derby

Runs for top connections (Calumet Farms/Asmussen) but has been off the board all three starts this year after winning twice from five starts as a juvenile. May be the longest shot on the board.