Chris Hayman (left), head of business sales and service at Digicel, presents Derby-winning jockey Winston Griffiths with his trophy at Caymanas Park last Saturday. Griffiths booted home 4-1 chance The Bomber in post-to-post fashion in the 87th running of the premier classic sponsored by Digicel. Looking on is Owners' Association president, Laurence Heffes. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

RAGS TO RICHES, highly fancied at 3-1, will seek to become the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes in 102 years when she takes on six opponents in the prestigious 12-furlong race in New York tomorrow, the final leg of the American Triple Crown series.

Trained by Todd Pletcher who surprisingly is seeking his first win in a Triple Crown race, RAGS TO RICHES has the pedigree to defy history with John Velazquez riding.

She has won four of five lifetime starts, including the Kentucky Oaks some weeks ago.

What's more, her sire, A.P. INDY, won the Belmont Stakes in 1992, and herhalf brother, JAZIL, won the race last year. If ever a horse was bred to win the Belmont, then RAGS TO RICHES is that horse.

"This is something to get excited about," said Pletcher outside his barn at Belmont Park on Tuesday. "From a historic perspective, it would place her at the highest level."

No triple crown winner

With Kentucky Derby winner STREET SENSE not running, the Belmont has lost some of its gloss this year. CURLIN, who got up on the line to deny STREET SENSE in the recent Preakness at Pimlico ensuring there would be no Triple Crown winner this year, is back as the 6-5 favourite with Robby Albarado again riding for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Completing the field are 5-2 second favourite HARD SPUN (Garret Gomez), TIAGO (10-1, Mike Smith), C.P. WEST (12-1, Edgar Prado), IMALWILDANDCRAZYGUY (20-1, Mark Guidry) and SLEW'S TIZZY (20-1, R. Bejarano). Significantly, Garret Gomex who has ridden RAGS TO RICHES to victory in her last four races, including the Kentucky Oaks, has switched to HARD SPUN.

RAGS TO RICHES is the first filly to run in the Belmont Stakes in eight years and the 22nd ever to contest the race. SILVERBULLETDAY finished seventh in 1999.

Only two fillies have won - TANYA in 1905 and RUTHLESS in 1867.

CTL and Track Price Plus are offering bets on the race (simulcast).