Horse Racing: Great Hunter pointed toward Belmont Stakes

Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - The field for the 139th running of the Belmont Stakes continues to remain in flux, as the field of 10-12 three-year-olds is taking shape two weeks before the 1 1/2 mile race.
Highly-regarded colt Great Hunter appears to be a definite starter for the third leg of racing's Triple Crown. Trainer Doug O'Neill is making plans to ship Great Hunter to Belmont Park several days prior to June 9.
"He's either going to New York on June 4 or 5," O'Neill said from California. "That will give him a couple of chances to school in the paddock there."
Owned by J. Paul Reddam, Great Hunter was third to Street Sense in the 2006 Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He opened this year by winning the Robert B. Lewis Stakes and then was a troubled fifth in the Blue Grass Stakes. Great Hunter was 13th in the Kentucky Derby after starting from the far outside post position.
Wood Memorial winner Nobiz Like Shobiz is now doubtful for the Belmont Stakes.
"If it were a walkover or a two horse race, I would run," trainer Barclay Tagg said. "A $1 million race is a $1 million race. Right now, I'm planning on races like the Dwyer, Jim Dandy and Travers."
Nobiz Like Shobiz was 10th in the Kentucky Derby. He won the Holy Bull Stakes in February, but then finished third in the Fountain of Youth.
Two weeks until the Belmont Stakes the probables include Street Sense, Curlin, Hard Spun, Tiago, Slew's Tizzy, Sightseeing, Rags to Riches, Great Hunter, Imawildandcrazyguy, Circular Quay and Chelokee.