The Kentucky Derby winner nearly entered the Belmont looking to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978, but his attempt to run down Shackleford at the Preakness came up just short. Animal Kingdom used the same plan in both races: lurking near the back of the pack, moving up along the outside and closing hard in the final stretch. The Belmont sets up well for the strategy to work again. The only risk is that the mile-and-a-half distance will weaken Animal Kingdom's kick. If not, he should end the Triple Crown the same way he started it -- with a win.
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