The 150th running of the Belmont Stakes will take place this afternoon (June 9) from Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. All eyes will be on trainer Bob Baffert, jockey Mike Smith, and, of course, the horse he will be riding, Justify. The trio is just one win away from pulling off the rare feat of winning the Triple Crown of horse racing.

Long ride for contenders

The Belmont Stakes is the longest of the three stake races that make up the Triple Crown circuit. The Kentucky Derby is 1-1/4 miles, while the Preakness Stakes covers 1-1/16 miles. The Belmont Stakes is 1-1/2 miles - which is one of the longest races thoroughbreds run during the course of a season.

So, do those extra feet matter? You bet they do! According to Americasbestracing.com, Justify was almost caught at the end of the Preakness Stakes, just edging out Bravazo and jockey Luis Saez. It doesn’t sound like that much, but extra furlongs added to the Belmont Stakes compared to the two previous races is bigger than the average fan would believe it to be.

Post positions

1. Justify (Odds 4-5) -- Trainer: Bob Baffert; Jockey: Mike Smith.

He is the best horse in the field, bar none. However, making money off of his soon to be victory will be hard to do.

2. Free Drop Billy (Odds 30-1) -- Trainer: Dale Romans; Jockey: Robby Albarado.

He finished in 16th at the Kentucky Derby.

3. Bravazo (Odds 8-1) Trainer -- Wayne Lukas; Jockey: Luis Saez.

The only horse that can take Justify down. Wayne Lukas would like nothing more.

4. Hofburg (Odds 9-2) Trainer -- Bill Mott; Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.

Like Bravazo, Hofburg has a chance in New York today. Irad Ortiz is one of the best in the business.

5. Restoring Hope (Odds 30-1) Trainer -- Bob Baffert; Jockey: Florent Geroux.

Baffert is putting another horse in a race where he can capture the Triple Crown?

If Restoring Hope wins this race, Baffert may be the first trainer to cry in the winners' circle - and not tears of joy.

6. Gronkowski (Odds 12-1) Trainer -- Chad Brown; Jockey: Jose Ortiz.

Odds are too short here. Gronkowski should be 25-1 or higher, but Patriots fans are rumored to be betting on him just for Gronk.

7. Tenfold (Odds 12-1) Trainer -- Steve Asmussen; Jockey: Ricardo Santana, Jr.

Experts love him to pull off the upset. I don’t. He is a great horse, but not sure if he finishes in the money.

8. Vino Rosso (Odds 8-1) Trainer -- Todd Pletcher; Jockey: John Velazquez.

I like this horse! The combination of Pletcher and Velazquez makes him dangerous. Vino Rosso should finish in the money.

9. Noble Indy (30-1) Trainer -- Todd Pletcher; Jockey: Javier Castellano

Could be the best long shot on the board.

10. Blended Citizen (15-1) Trainer -- Doug O’Neill; Jockey: Kyle Frey.

Great talent, but the field is too tough for this young colt.

How to watch live, picks

So who will win the big race Saturday? It may be tougher than the first two, but Justify should walk away with the victory and become the 13th horse in racing history to win the Triple Crown.

Joe Karbousky's picks are below.

Winners: Justify, Vino Rosso

Trifecta: 1-3-4, 1-4-8, 1-4-10

Superfecta: 1-7-8-9, 1-2-5-7, 1-3-4-8

Horse racing fans will have several options to keep tabs on the big race Saturday afternoon. The 2018 Belmont Stakes will air nationally on NBC and stream live online through NBC Sports Network. Race time is scheduled for just after 6:30 PM ET.