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2009 Belmont Predictions: Horse racing experts at Bodog.com have released their 2009 Belmont Predictions and they are favoring the winner of the 135th Kentucky Derby, Mine That Bird, to beat the field at the "Test of the Champion" this Saturday at Belmont Park.

Mine That Bird was an afterthought when the 135th Run for the Roses began at Churchill Downs on May 2nd, but his amazing dash through the field victory made him a household name in short order. Still, people questioned whether the tremendous feat was a fluke. The three year old gelding proved he was no one hit wonder with a hair raising second place run at the Preakness Stakes on May 16th.

Now, there is no doubting the small horse with a big heart as he is listed as a 5/6 betting odds favorite to win the 2009 Belmont Stakes.

Jockey Calvin Borel, who was aboard Mine That Bird for his Derby win, is certainly a believer in the horse's ability. 

"We're gonna win, no questions asked," Borel said, making a bold 2009 Belmont Predictions. "He worked in :50 and out in 1:02, just like before the Derby. He is doing everything the same."

Although Borel's prediction has certainly been the most audacious leading up to the Belmont, he has not been the only person willing to make a forecast or two. Trainer extradinaire, Todd Pletcher, whose Dunkirk is listed at 7/2 odds to win the third leg of the Triple Crown, threw his praise toward Charitable Man (pictured above).

"At this point, Charitable Man is going to be on an uncontested, easy lead," Pletcher said."He's probably the horse to beat to begin with, and now he's got a pace advantage (with Rachel Alexandra out). It's going to be hard to catch a quality horse like Charitable Man if he gets a half in :49."

Charitable Man's trainer, Kiaran McLaughlin, echoed Pletcher's sentiment.

"We feel we've got the horse to beat," McLaughlin said. 

The 2009 Belmont Stakes will be broadcast live this Saturday, June 6th on ABC. Coverage for the event, which will take place at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, is set to begin at 5:00pm ET.

Bodog.com 2009 Belmont Predictions:

Mine That Bird 5/6
Dunkirk 7/2
Charitable Man 3/1
Chocolate Candy 14/1
Summer Bird 16/1
Flying Private 20/1
Mr. Hot Stuff 22/1
Brave Victory 30/1
Miner's Escape 30/1
Luv Gov 50/1

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