What’s at Stake in the 2017 Belmont Stakes?

Ryan Berenz June 9, 2017, 4:00 pm

Belmont Stakes Irish War Cry — Al Bello/Getty Images

Belmont Stakes contender Irish War Cry trains prior to the 149th running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.

The third and final race in the 2017 Triple Crown of horse racing doesn’t have a lot of shine.

There’s no Triple Crown sweep in store at the 149th Belmont Stakes, and Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming and Preakness winner Cloud Computing are both skipping the Belmont. Another favorite, Classic Empire, was scratched Wednesday.

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Who’s left? The favorite is now Irish War Cry, with other contenders including Gormley, Tapwrit, Twisted Tom and one-eyed fan-favorite Patch. There’s still a lot to race for: The total purse is $1.5 million with an $800,000 winner’s share.

NBCSN and NBC have coverage from Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., June 9-10, with the Belmont Stakes race airing Saturday at 5/4c on NBC. Bob Costas and Mike Tirico host with analysts Randy Moss, Jerry Bailey, Bob Neumeier and Eddie Olczyk. Reporters are Donna Brothers, Carolyn Manno, Laffit Pincay III and Kenny Rice. Larry Collmus calls the race. Krista Voda hosts coverage on NBCSN.

2017 BELMONT STAKES ON NBC SPORTS
Friday, June 9
Belmont Access, 5/4c, NBCSN

Saturday, June 10
Belmont Prep, 3/2c, NBCSN
Belmont Stakes, 5/4c, NBC