The 146th Belmont Stakes is set for Saturday on Long Island. Before the starting gates open (and the betting windows close) for the $1.5 million Test of Champions — post time is 6:52 p.m.; NBC will televise — here is a guide to the field.

Horses are listed by program number, in post position order. All starters carry 126 pounds.
1. Medal Count (20-1)
Bay colt, by Dynaformer (Roberto), out of Brisquette (Unbridled's Song)
Jockey: Robby Albarado
Trainer: Dale Romans
Current Form: Lone stakes win was earned when he ran down a bunch of tomato cans in the Transylvania at Keeneland. Ran into major traffic trouble in the Derby but failed to fire when he got clear.
Worth A Wager? Sired by Dynaformer, so he's built to go long. But not here. Not at this level. Stretch runner meets more accomplished field with same style. Back of the pack.

2. California Chrome (3-5)
Chestnut colt, by Lucky Pulpit (Pulpit), out of Love the Chase (Not for Love)
Jockey: Victor Espinoza
Trainer: Art Sherman
Current Form: The racing industry thanks him. It's been 36 years. Is he the chosen one? Win streak is at six and he hasn't lost since Espinoza sat on his back. Was he coming back to the pack in first two legs or was Victor tapping on the breaks. He'll load the gate looking more like Seattle Slew than Big Brown.
Worth A Wager? No Triple Crown winner has faced more than seven rivals. Longest stretch in the U.S. has claimed many Crown hopefuls and this grueling schedule may make him the latest victim. Hope I'm wrong.

3. Matterhorn (30-1)
Bay colt, by Tapit (Pulpit), out of Winter Garden (Roy)
Jockey: Joe Bravo
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Current Form: Sports an uninspiring portfolio. Barely broke his maiden last year and is winless as a 3-year-old. Soundly defeated by 6 1/4 lengths after making up a bit of ground late in the Peter Pan. One of two entered by Pletcher.
Worth A Wager? Honestly, he brings nothing to the table. If you believe he can get the distance and overcome this battle-tested group, then good luck. Better chance of finishing last than first.

4. Commanding Curve (15-1)
Bay ridgling, by Master Command (A.P. Indy), out of Mother (Lion Hearted)
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Current Form: Ruined everyone's Derby exacta. Spotted field more than a dozen lengths only to roar down the stretch and pass every horse but one at odds of 37-1. Got to within 1 3/4 lengths of "Chrome."
Worth A Wager? Wrote some negative things about him before the Derby, and he proved me wrong. One of a handful who may enjoy going long, but can't believe he'll sneak up on field again. Middle of the pack.

5. Ride On Curlin (12-1)
Bay colt, by Curlin (Smart Strike), out of Magical Ride (Storm Cat)
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: William Gowan
Current Form: Dug in hard down the Pimlico stretch, and for a split second, I thought he had a chance to catch "Chrome." Narrowed the gap to 1 1/2 lengths at the wire. Roadblocks halted big, late run in Derby.
Worth A Wager? Yes. One of three to race every Triple Crown event. Tired? Son of champion Curlin can run all day. Believe he's going to love the extra real estate and Johnny V will know when to pull the trigger.

6. Matuszak (30-1)
Dark Bay or Brown colt, by Bernardini (A.P. Indy), out of Golden Sonata (Mr. Prospector)
Jockey: Mike Smith
Trainer: William Mott
Current Form: Too little, too late in a pair of ungraded stakes this spring losing to Kid Cruz in each. Won at first asking last September and is a dreadful 0 for 7 since.
Worth A Wager? Belmont Stakes is the test of a champion. Does he look like a champion? Trainer Billy Mott is taking a shot here, but this would truly be a surprise. Last? Next to last?

7. Samraat (20-1)
Dark Bay or Brown colt, by Noble Causeway (Giant's Causeway), out of Little Indian Girl (Indian Charlie)
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Richard Violette
Current Form: Won his first five starts before running a game second to Wicked Strong in the Wood Memorial. Appeared to be in position to upset the Derby but tailed off late as a host of closers went on by.
Worth A Wager? My Derby bet took the Preakness off and may rebound nicely in field with relatively no speed. Ortiz can dictate the pace if he moves early. Distance is an issue, but he can hold on for a piece of the superfecta. Offers best value in the field.

8. Commissioner (20-1)
Bay colt, by A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew), out of Flaming Heart (Touch Gold)
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Current Form: Chased the pace but failed to reel in the speedy Tonalist and settled for second best in the rain-soaked Peter Pan last month. Grandson of Seattle Slew is better half of two Pletcher starters but has won nothing of note.
Worth A Wager? Gave it a long look. But Castellano will have his work cut out for him as field of late runners will be moving the same time he does. Resume says no. Mid-pack.

9. Wicked Strong (6-1)
Modal Trigger
Wicked Strong
Photo: AP
Bay colt, by Hard Spun (Danzig), out of Moyne Abbey (Charismatic)
Jockey: Rajiv Maragh
Trainer: James A. Jerkens
Current Form: Won the Wood Memorial convincingly. Overcame a stumbling start and a terrible trip to check in a hard-closing fourth in the Derby. He has posted best works of all the starters recently and Jerkens claims he was pointed to the Belmont before he went to Kentucky.
Worth A Wager? Remember Birdstone? Ran down Smarty Jones deep stretch in 2004. Best chance to ruin the party. He's my winner.

10. General A Rod (20-1)

Dark Bay or Brown colt, by Roman Ruler (Fusaichi Pegasus), out of Dynamite Eyes (Dynaformer)

Jockey: Rosie Napravnik
Trainer: Mike Maker
Current Form: Joins Ride On Curlin as the only two who will test "Chrome" for a third time. Overcame traffic woes during first two legs and finished eight lengths back of winner in each. Rider change to Rosie Napravnik.
Worth A Wager? Trainer Micheal Maker is hoping for a clean trip, but I can't believe A Rod would have caught "Chrome," even if they went around again. Book says eight lengths back. Agreed.

11. Tonalist (8-1)
Bay colt, by Tapit (Pulpit), out of Settling Mist (Pleasant Colony)
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Christophe Clement
Current Form: Ran a perfect prep race in the Peter Pan. Took charge after the opening quarter and never looked back as he drew away by four widening lengths while putting Commissioner in his rear-view mirror. All-important win over the track.
Worth A Wager? Lack of speed in this field suggests Rosario will not wait long, and he may be gunned early from furthest post. Has only Samraat and "Chrome" to keep him company on the front end. Alas, he may be backpedaling when real running starts.

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