Alysheba, the 8-5 Favorite, Gets No. 4 Post

Alysheba and Bet Twice, who were inseparable while running 1-2 in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, will also start together in the 119th running of the Belmont Stakes here Saturday.

Alysheba, bidding to become the 12th Triple Crown champion, drew the No. 4 post and Bet Twice got No. 5 Thursday as 10 horses were entered.

Alysheba was installed as the 8-5 favorite, with the Peter Brant-owned, LeRoy Jolley-trained entry of Leo Castelli and Gulch listed as the 5-2 second choice.

Here is the field in post-position order, with all horses carrying 126 pounds:

Conquistarose, Jerry Bailey riding, at a morning line of 4-1; Gone West, Eddie Maple, 4-1; Avies Copy, Mickey Solomone, 20-1; Alysheba, Chris McCarron, 8-5; Bet Twice, Craig Perret, 5-1; Manassa Jack, Alberto Delgado, 50-1; Cryptoclearance, Laffit Pincay, 6-1; Leo Castelli, Jose Santos, 5-2; Shawklit Won, Angel Cordero, 20-1; and Gulch, Pat Day, 5-2.

Because they are both trained by Woody Stephens, Conquistarose and Gone West also will be coupled in the wagering.

“Alysheba is a very good horse, and he may be a great horse,” said Bob Levy, one of the owners of Bet Twice. “On his best day, he is very tough to beat.”

Although a second day of rain Thursday made the Belmont Park racing strip sloppy, the track is expected to be dry and fast by Belmont Stakes time Saturday. The forecast is for a clearing with temperatures in the high 70s by Saturday afternoon.