Rich Strike headlines the field in his first race sincebecoming the second-biggest longshot to win the "Run for theRoses." A pair of Todd Pletcher-trained horses — KentuckyDerby fifth-place finisher and Wood Memorial (G2) winner MoDonegal, and Kentucky Oaks runner-up Nest — as well asPreakness Stakes third-place finisher Creative Minister andPeter Pan Stakes (G3) winner We the People are also expected tohighlight the field of eight horses. The Belmont Stakes isreferred to as the "Test of the Champion" for its 1.5-miledistance, the longest of the three Triple Crownraces.Long-time NBC Sports horse racing host Tom Hammondnarrates an essay about the storied history of the BelmontStakes on NBC.Features on the connections of Rich Strikeincluding trainer Eric Reed, jockey Sonny Leon and groom JerryDixon, Jr.Meet the Belmont Stakes contenders.In addition,musician DJ Pauly D will perform in the Belmont Park grandstandand give the ‘Riders Up' command during thebroadcast.COMMENTATORS: NBC Sports' coverage of the BelmontStakes features host Mike Tirico; analysts Randy Moss andJerry Bailey, the Hall of Fame jockey and two-time BelmontStakes winner; host Ahmed Fareed; handicapper Matt Bernier;reporters Britney Eurton and Kenny Rice; and racecaller Larry Collmus.
