5 burning questions entering the Belmont Stakes

With Justify aiming to complete the elusive Triple Crown, here are the five biggest questions entering Saturday’s 150th running of the Belmont Stakes.

Does Justify deserve to be a 4-5 morning-line favorite?

The undefeated Justify is the horse to beat, but 4-5 odds are very slim, especially considering how many Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners were unable to clinch the Belmont.

Justify’s abbreviated racing career (his first race was not until February of this year) is impressive, but so many races in such a short period could catch up with him. His trainer Bob Baffert has said he’s not taking any shortcuts. Will Justify have enough in the tank on Saturday?

Why do horses who win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness find the Belmont so hard?

The Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown, is also known as the “Test of a Champion” because, at 1 1/2 miles, it's the longest of the three races. It’s also the third in a series of top-level races over a span of five weeks. That schedule is demanding for any horse, let alone a young one.

It's often said most racehorses bred in the United States don’t have the pedigrees to run a mile. That's because most races in North America are shorter, and thoroughbred breeding has been developed accordingly.

Who is Gronkowski the horse?

Named after Rob Gronkowski, the inimitable New England Patriots tight end, Gronkowski the horse is an American-bred colt who has never raced in the United States. That's set to change Saturday.

After being born and raised in Kentucky, Gronkowski was purchased in England by Phoenix Thoroughbreds and sent to British trainer Jeremy Noseda to prepare for the Kentucky Derby.

Unfortunately, Gronkowski came down with a fever and was unable to compete in the Derby. Then, after Gronk the football player bought an interest in the horse, Gronkowski was taken away from Noseda and sent to champion American trainer Chad Brown’s barn in New York to prepare for the Belmont.

Now Brown says Gronkowski has been training well and should be ready to compete, and football Gronk is expected to be at the Belmont watching.

Who is Justify’s biggest threat?

Hofburg (9-2) is a son of Tapit, whose offspring have won three of the last four Belmont Stakes. He didn't hit the board in the Derby, possibly because of the sloppy conditions.

Hofburg’s trainer is Hall of Famer Bill Mott. The colt’s owner is Juddmonte Farms, the same breeders that also owned Empire Maker, who won the Belmont in 2000, snatching Triple Crown glory away from Funny Cide.

Who is the top underdog play?

Vino Rosso (8-1) finished ninth in the Derby and skipped the Preakness to rest up for a run on Saturday. His trainer, Todd Pletcher, has won three Belmont Stakes, and John Velazquez, the colt's jockey, has won two.

The colt is also owned by two New Yorkers: Mike Repole, and Florida Panthers owner Vincent Viola. The wine will no doubt be flowing if this colt can pull off the upset.