Las Vegas, NV -- The 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 11 is expected to have either 11 or 12 starters. It is looking like the two feature horses will be Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom and Preakness winner Shackleford. It is also possible that some history will be made as the first seven finishers in the Kentucky Derby are all possible starters in the Belmont.

In the 142 previous runnings of the Belmont, the first six Derby finishers have never started in the Belmont, let alone the first seven. The record is from 1949 and 1950 when the first five Derby horses came back and ran in the Belmont.

The first seven finishers in this year's Kentucky Derby were Animal Kingdom, Nehro, Mucho Macho Man, Shackleford, Master of Hounds, Santiva, and Brilliant Speed. Animal Kingdom, Shackleford and Mucho Macho Man would be running in all three legs of the Triple Crown. The other possible starters for the Belmont are Isn't He Perfect, Monzon, Ruler on Ice, Stay Thirsty and Harlan's Hello.

Animal Kingdom
6 career starts; Win: 3; Place: 3; Show: 0
The horse has never been out of the money in his career and should love the distance.

Shackleford
7 career starts; Win: 3; Place: 1; Show: 0
The question is whether or not he can handle the mile and a half distance.

Nehro
6 career starts; Win: 1; Place: 3; Show: 0
He is another horse that may not handle the distance of the Belmont.

Mucho Macho Man
10 career starts; Win: 2; Place: 3; Show: 3
He had shoe issues in the Preakness that ruined his chances.

Master of Hounds
8 career starts; Win: 1; Place: 3; Show: 1
He is shipping over from Europe for this race.

Santiva
7 career starts; Win: 1; Place: 3; Show: 1
Should improve off the Derby.

Brilliant Speed
9 career starts; Win: 2; Place: 2; Show: 2
His pedigree indicates he should like the added distance.

Isn't He Perfect
13 career starts; Win: 2; Place 0; Show: 1
A real long shot.

Monzon
8 career starts: Win 3; Place 0; Show 1
He is the mystery horse in this race.

Ruler On Ice
6 career starts: Win 2: Place 2; Show 1
Only out of the money once in his career.

Stay Thirsty
7 career starts; Win: 2; Place: 2; Show: 0
Continues to be a huge disappointment.

Harlan's Hello
8 career starts; Win 2; Place: 1; Show: 1
May not even be entered in the race.