A look ahead to likely field for Belmont Stakes

With the Triple Crown not at stake in the Belmont Stakes, a slew of potential contenders have emerged for the 1 ½-mile race June 10 in New York. A field of as many as 13 is possible.
Expected to run:
• Hemingway's Key: Trainer Nick Zito was encouraged by his third-place finish in the Preakness, his first time hitting the board in five starts. "He had a lot of energy, that horse; he's wild," Zito said. "He rebounded nicely [Saturday]. That was exactly what I wanted to see."
• Derby horses: Five horses who ran in the Kentucky Derby but skipped the Preakness will likely run in the Belmont - Bluegrass Cat (second), Steppenwolfer (third), Jazil (dead heat for fourth), Deputy Glitters (eighth) and Bob and John (17th).
Status uncertain:
• Bernardini: The Preakness winner is not a definite for the Belmont. Trainer Tom Albertrani expects a decision in a few days.
• Sweetnorthernsaint: Second in the Preakness, but came out of the race with a minor hoof injury.
• Point Determined: Bob Baffert trainee was ninth in the Derby. He seems unlikely to run in the Belmont because of the distance.
• Sunriver and High Cotton: Both are from trainer Todd Pletcher's barn and both posted big wins Saturday. Sunriver won the Peter Pan at Belmont, and High Cotton won the Sir Stakes on the Preakness undercard.
• Lewis Michael: Was fourth in the Illinois Derby behind Sweetnorthernsaint and then lost by a neck in the Peter Pan to Sunriver.
• Oh So Awesome: A late nominee to the Triple Crown races, the Belmont would be his second start in America after racing and training in Europe.
Not running:
• Brother Derek: Had another poor race in the Preakness, finishing fourth just as he did in the Derby. Trainer Dan Hendricks said his colt was headed to California and won't be back for the Belmont.
Source: www.philly.com