The final leg of the U.S. Triple Crown is up for decision this weekend. Tradition has helped maintain the trip over which the Belmont Stakes is run at 12 furlongs (or approx. 2,400 m.) even as short-sighted turf administrators have slashed the distances for a number of other major feature events in the continent. The situation is so alarming that only 18 of the 195 Graded Stakes run so far in North America in 2011 have been contested over 10 furlongs (or more).

As a consequence, American breeders are not even breeding horses with stamina-laden pedigrees. This is in stark contrast to Europe, Australasia, Japan and even to some degree to India, where at least the classics have retained their prominence even if handicap events consist of a dreary succession of 1,200 m. events.

Fortunately, quality is maintained as this year's field of 12 for the Belmont Stakes includes the first seven home in the Kentucky Derby run five weeks ago. However, one turf writer disagrees with the notion that the best in the land are engaged, pointing out that what he calls "the two best 3-year-olds", namely Uncle Mo and Premier Pegasus, are absent due to illness/injury. It's a moot point if the former can be considered a top three-year-old, since his reputation rests entirely on what he did at the age of two. While the latter was undoubtedly impressive when trouncing his rivals in the San Felipe Stakes back in March, he did not achieve enough to be ranked at the top of the class – though of course he (and Uncle Mo) will be missed.

Sometimes the track has a bias that favours front-runners or those along the rail and sometimes it inconveniences them, so the conditions on the day will have to be studied. New York has been passing through a heat wave, and although it is forecast to be much cooler on Saturday, thunderstorms are expected, which could change the going – as well as all predictions!

The Kentucky Derby hero Animal Kingdom (by Leroidesanimaux) arrived in town from Graham Motion's barn in Maryland at the end of last week in order to get familiar with the track, which differs from most American ovals in that it is big, has wide turns and a sandy base. On Monday, the handsome chestnut turned in a brilliant workout, appearing to bounce over the surface with fluency. Johnny Velasquez will maintain his association with the Team Valor colt – who is bred to stay and looks well.

The connections of Nehro (Mineshaft) intentionally missed the Preakness Stakes, so have a relatively fresh horse on their hands. Whether that will help the colt do better than run second – as he has at each of his last three starts – remains to be seen. Undoubtedly, the Zayat Stables standard-bearer will be a factor at the finish. Corey Nakatani is set to steer the Steve Asmussen-schooled bay.

The Preakness Stakes winner, Shackleford (by Forestry) finds himself strung out widest of all at the start. He ought to have the tactical speed to get to the front and gradually work himself to the rail. However, it is questionable if he can win a mile-and-a-half classic leading all the way, though it has to be said he is a willing fighter. Dale Romans remains quietly confident that Jesus Castanon will keep him going.

Obviously a lot is thought of the Irish invader, Master Of Hounds (by Kingmambo), as he has been sent back across the Atlantic from his base in Tipperary. He has drawn the rail, but should not be inconvenienced, since he is used to sitting at the back and coming with a late run. Garrett Gomez is pleased with his mount and promises to be closer than he was in the Kentucky Derby, where Aidan O'Brien's ward was an improving fifth.

Mucho Macho Man (by Macho Uno), trained by heart transplant patient Kathy Ritvo, has a new rider in Ramon Dominguez. This enormous colt with the giant stride has twice lost a shoe in his last three races. A new farrier has fitted him with glue-on shoes and hopefully they will withstand the tremendous pressure he places on them. He is usually seen doing his best work at the finish.

A couple of Caribbean professionals of Indian origin have teamed up with Isn’t He Perfect (by Pleasantly Perfect), who will probably be the longest shot in the field. Having been defeated soundly in the Wood Memorial, the Jerome Handicap and the Preakness Stakes, he looks to have no chance whatsoever of providing rider Rajiv Maragh or trainer Doodnauth Shivmangal with the post-race spotlight.

Belmont Stakes draw numbers (card number is the same)

1. Master Of Hounds (Garrett Gomez)
2. Stay Thirsty (Javier Castellano)
3. Ruler On Ice (Jose Valdivia)
4. Santiva (Shaun Bridgmohan)
5. Brilliant Speed (Joel Rosario)
6. Nehro (Corey Nakatani)
7. Monzon (Jose Lezcano)
8. Prime Cut (Edgar Prado)
9. Animal Kingdom (John Velazquez)
11. Isn't He Perfect (Rajiv Maragh)
12. Shackleford (Jesus Castanon)

In Europe, Sunday sees ten French-trained fillies lining up in Paris for the Prix de Diane-Longines (2100 m.), known internationally as the French Oaks, and worth a total of €850,000 this year. The Wertheimer brothers field a trio of talented fillies in the event to be run at Chantilly; all are schooled by Freddie Head, and include the Galileo half-sister to Goldikova, named – you guessed it – Galikova!

She is in fine fettle but could have her work cut out to put one over Andre Fabre's Poule d'Essai des Pouliches winner Golden Lilac, also by Galileo, a stallion who has been having a banner year. It seems that Olivier Peslier, who was astride both these fillies during their recent victories, will side with Galikova, probably due to contractual obligations. That would leave Maxime Guyon to resume his partnership with Golden Lilac, the highest rated runner in the field.

The Aga Khan's lightly-raced but progressive Shareta (by Sinndar) is one to be considered. From Alain de Royer-Dupre's stables, she will be steered by Christophe-Patrice Lemaire and has the benefit of winning experience on the track. Fabre saddles another in Godolphin's Wavering (by Refuse To Bend), coming off a late-finishing triumph in the Montjeu Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary under Mickael Barzalona. Pascal Bary's Epic Love (by Dansili), with Stephane Pasquier up, narrowly beaten by Wavering last time out, rounds off the list of the fancied runners.