Orb Joel Rosario 2013 Kentucky Derby
Orb, ridden by jockey Joel Rosario, proved victorious through a muddy track at the 139th Kentucky Derby. Reuters

At the Preakness Stakes, Orb saw his hopes of winning the first Triple Crown in 35 years go by the wayside when Oxbow crossed the finish line in first place. Even though he doesn’t have a chance to make history, the horse is looking to comeback stronger than ever at the 2013 Belmont Stakes.

The final leg of the Triple Crown is set to get underway on June 8. The projected field won’t be set until next week, but Orb is expected to be among those that compete. Trainer Shug McGaughey was pleased with Orb’s work on the track at Belmont on Thursday morning. According to HRTV, the horse will work at Belmont on Sundays, and his status for the big race will be confirmed if McGaughey is satisfied with what he sees.

Despite coming in a disappointing fourth at the Preakness, the Kentucky Derby winner is one of the favorites for the Belmont Stakes. According to sportsbook.ag, Orb leads the potential field with +350 betting odds. Tied with him is Revolutionary, who came in third place at the Kentucky Derby, but skipped out on the Preakness.

Orb should be ready to come out strong and have a bounce-back performance. The horse should be extremely comfortable in the race, since his home stable is at Belmont Park.

The winner of the Preakness is also on track to compete at the 145th running of the Belmont Stakes. D. Wayne Lukas is getting the horse ready after the trainer picked up his 14th win in a Triple Crown race. It could be a very competitive race between Orb and Oxbow, with the Preakness winner’s odds set at +450.

Having both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners in the race should make for an exciting day at Belmont Park. The event, though, lost some of its luster with Orb’s fourth place finish on May 18. Oxbow’s victory ensured a third straight year of no Triple Crown attempt at Belmont.

Below are current betting odds and a prediction for the projected field at the 2013 Belmont Stakes. No more than 16 horses will be allowed to run on June 8.

Orb +350 (predicted winner)

Revolutionary +350

Oxbow +450

Freedom Child +800

Power Broker +1000

Golden Soul +1000

Unlimited Budget +1500

Palace Malice +1500

Will Take Charge +1500

Overanalyze +1500

Giant Finish +2500

Always in a Tiz +3000

Code West +3000

Vyjack +3000

Midnight Taboo +3000