The Belmont Stakes takes place on Saturday. Here is a brief preview of what to expect from the Belmont Park Race Track this weekend.
On Friday and Saturday, the temperature at Belmont Park is predicted to be at a high of 80 degrees with a 30% chance of rain. The 430-acre racetrack in Elmont, New York will host the 144th Running of the Belmont Stakes.
Some dditional information on Belmont Park:
Main Course: 1 1/2 Miles
Last Turn to Finish on Main Track: 1,097 feet
Widener Turf Course: 1 5/16 Miles
Inner Turf Course: 1 3/16 Miles
Attendance Capacity: 85,000 - 90,000
Parking Capacity: 18,500 Cars
Trackside Dining: 2,300
Total Seating Capacity: 32,941 (Via: BelmontPark)
Among the three triple crown race tracks, Belmont's course is the longest track in term of distance. While the main course at Belmont is 1.5 miles, the Kentucky Derby's track is 1.25 miles and the Preakness' track is 1 and 3/16 miles. As a result of its length, horses must have experience and enough stamina to win the Belmont Stakes
Here's a preview of the race courtesy of SB Nation Studios:
Belmont Stakes 2012 Triple Crown Preview: I'll Have Another Has Injury-Free Week of Training (via sbnation)
For more in depth discussion, analysis, and predictions for the Belmont Stakes and all of horse racing in general, make sure to check out SB Nation's hopelessly devouted horse racing blog, And Down The Stretch They Come.