2012 Belmont Stakes live June 9 on NBC

I’ll Have Another makes an attempt to win the Triple Crown at 2012 Belmont Stakes, live June 9 on NBC.

After wins at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes,  I’ll Have Another has a shot at history and an elusive Triple Crown Saturday at the 144th Belmont Stakes. All eyes will be on Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., to see if I’ll Have Another (a 4-5 early favorite) can become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. Eleven horses have won the Triple Crown, while 19 others won the Derby and the Preakness but fell short at the Belmont. Top challengers to I’ll Have Another in the starting gate include Dullahan, Union Rags, Paynter and Unstoppable U.

UPDATE 6/8/12: I’LL HAVE ANOTHER HAS BEEN SCRATCHED FROM THE RACE DUE TO TENDINITIS

A muddy track on a rainy day proved difficult for the favorites in last year’s Belmont, as 24-1 long shot Ruler On Ice raced to an upset win.

NBC and NBC Sports Network combine for 11 hours of coverage during race week, beginning Thursday with the documentary I’ll Have Another — Charging Toward History at 7:30pm ET on NBC Sports Network. Race coverage on NBC Saturday begins at 4:30pm ET. NBC Sports Group’s coverage of the 144th Belmont Stakes includes cohosts Bob Costas and Tom Hammond; three-time Belmont Stakes winner Gary Stevens; analyst Randy Moss; contributing analysts/handicappers Mike Battaglia and Bob Neumeier; host Laffit Pincay III;  two-time Belmont Stakes winner Jerry Bailey; reporters Kenny Rice, Donna Brothers and Jay Privman; and race caller Larry Collmus. Full TV Belmont Stakes week TV schedule from the NBC Sports Group below. Stop by Fang’s Bites for the full press release from NBC.

NBC SPORTS GROUP BELMONT WEEK COVERAGE

Thursday, June 7
7:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
I’ll Have Another – Charging Toward History
NBC Sports Network

8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Rebroadcast of 2012 Kentucky Derby
NBC Sports Network

10 p.m. – Midnight
Rebroadcast of 2012 Preakness
NBC Sports Network

Friday, June 8
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Belmont Classics
NBC Sports Network

5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Live from Belmont
NBC Sports Network

Saturday, June 9
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Belmont Stakes Saturday
NBC Sports Network

4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Belmont Stakes
NBC

7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Belmont Post-Race Show
NBC Sports Network

About Ryan Berenz 2166 Articles
Member of the Television Critics Association. Charter member of the Ancient and Mystic Society of No Homers. Squire of the Ancient & Benevolent Order of the Lynx, Lodge 49, Long Beach, Calif. Costco Wholesale Gold Star Member since 2011.