Belmont Stakes 2014 post positions: California Chrome draws No. 2 post in Triple Crown finale

California Chrome will run out of the No. 2 gate at the Belmont Stakes, a prime position in his attempt to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed won horse racing’s biggest honor in 1978.

The field doesn’t always show up for the Belmont Stakes. For instance, Big Brown was the last horse to compete in the Belmont Stakes with a chance at a Triple Crown, and only eight other horses were in the field that day in 2008. But this year’s field can survive one or two scratches.

Commanding Curve, which finished second in the Kentucky Derby before skipping the Preakness, is running out of the No. 4 gate. Ride On Curlin, the Preakness runner-up, will come out of the No. 5 post.

A pair of strong contenders will come from the outside. Wicked Strong is the second choice at 6-1 odds, and Triple Crown newcomer Tonalist will run in the far outside gate as the third choice at 8-1 odds.

The 11-horse field is listed below in gate order with morning line odds.

1. Medal Count, 20-1

2. California Chrome, 3-5

3. Matterhorn, 30-1

4. Commanding Curve, 15-1

5. Ride On Curlin, 12-1

6. Matuszak, 30-1

7. Samraat, 20-1

8. Commissioner, 20-1

9. Wicked Strong, 6-1

10. General A Rod, 20-1

11. Tonalist, 8-1