Horse Racing News on June 8, 2011

Like all horses when they are 3, Drosselmeyer only got one chance to run in the Belmont Stakes, and he made the most of it. But one year later, he still has the opportunity to run 1 1/2 miles at Belmont Park, and trainer Bill Mott has seized the moment.

Gio Ponti will oblige his loyal fans with his presence for a third consecutive year in Saturday's Grade 1, $400,000 Manhattan Handicap, a 1 1/4-mile inner turf heat which precedes the classic Belmont Stakes on a 13-race program.

Kentucky Derby favorite Animal Kingdom has been made the 2-1 favorite in a field of 12 for the Belmont Stakes.