Belmont Stakes 2013: What Time Does The Race Start? What Channel To Watch, Plus Betting Odds

Belmont 2013 — The running of the 145th Belmont Stakes takes place Saturday at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. Reuters

After heavy rains for two days and a withdrawal from one participant, the running of the 145th Belmont Stakes is set to begin Saturday afternoon at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.

There are 14 horses in the field for the final leg of the Triple Crown, with Kentucky Derby winner Orb, Preakness victor Oxbow, and Revolutionary the three heavy favorites. It is the first time since 1996 that less than 15 horses will participate.

Before Wednesday’s draw announcement, Always In a Tiz withdrew to run the $150,000 Easy Goer Stakes, and Frac Daddy threw his name into the mix.

Throughout the rain soaked and sloppy track, several trainers are hoping to make history. D. Wayne Lukas can win his fifth race at Belmont with Oxbow, Todd Pletcher can break a track record by fielding five horses including Revolutionary, and Rudy Rodriguez could make Vyjack the third gelding to ever win the Belmont.

Odds have barely moved since the gates were announced. Orb, who was expected to test the 35-year Triple Crown drought, slopped his way through the Derby and at 3-1 remains the horse to beat. Orb will begin at Gate 5, a much more favorable spot than Gate 1 where he started the Preakness.

Oxbow will take off from Gate 7, and Revolutionary Gate 9.

The race is scheduled to begin at 6:36 p.m. Eastern time, and will be broadcast by NBC.

The latest odds and all the gate positions are listed below.

1) Frac Daddy 30-1

2) Freedom Child 8-1

3) Overanalyze 12-1

4) Giant Finish 30-1

5) Orb 3-1

6) Incognito 20-1

7) Oxbow 5-1

8) Midnight Taboo 30-1

9) Revolutionary 9-2