The mile and a half Belmont Stakes is referred to as the test of champions but each of the stops on the Triple Crown trail brings a unique perspective and even with the defection of Rachel Alexandra, the race still comes up very playable as 10 will go to the post.

Tradition is steep when talking the Belmont Stakes. The filly Ruthless won the first running in 1867 at Jerome Park. Count Fleet completed his Triple Crown quest taking the 1943 edition winning by 25 lengths. It was the largest margin of victory until Secretariat set the record of 2:24 winning off by 31 in 1973.

Nick Zito has a classically structured duo this year in the long-fused Brave Victory and Miner’s Escape, who is peaking right now and has tactical speed. Chocolate Candy is back for more after a trouble trip in the Derby and the rest since then.

Charitable Man has only lost once in his life and he was caught 7 wide that day on a surface he probably didn’t care for at Keeneland. He will attempt to follow in the footsteps of some stars that posted the Peter Pan-- Belmont Stakes double.

Gallant Man hit the double in 1957, Coastal did it in 1979, Danzig Connection did it in 1986 and A. P. Indy accomplished the same feat in 1992.

Dunkirk was hung out in post 14 in the Derby and never got untracked despite taking big action at 5-1.

Flying Pirate has only won once, a sprint, with a 71 Beyer. He’ll need the same kind of incredible step forward that Mine That Bird had in the Derby.

Luv Gov was only 24-1 in the Preakness despite the fact he was just coming off his first win.

Mine That Bird will be chalk and he proved in Baltimore that he is the real deal. The thing he will have to overcome is the fact he has no speed and could be 15 or 18 lengths off the pace once again.

Mr. Hot Stuff has never won on a conventional surface and basically went through the motions in the Derby.

The other Bird, Summer Bird, figures to get the trip as his sire Birdstone spoiled Smarty Jones’s run at the Triple Crown.

So how does it play out? Miner’s Escape will try to gun but he will not be able to keep up with Charitable Man. Charitable Man’s rider, Alan Garcia, has won with this son of Lemon Drop Kid on the lead or from slightly off the pace and the distance should be of no concern.

In the second flight you’ll have Chocolate Candy, Brave Victory and Dunkirk. The deep closers will include the Derby winner, Summer Bird and Flying Private.

As they turn for home Charitable Man will not be giving anything away. He will be able to open up a comfortable lead and cruise home. It will be a dogfight for the minor awards but Mine That Bird should be able to get up for second with Dunkirk, Brave Victory and Summer Bird fighting it out for the third slot in the trifecta.

When the smoke clears Da Man, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, will remain unbeaten at Belmont.