Belmont Stakes: A guide for for those who are going

Saturday’s Belmont Stakes could be your best chance in years to enjoy the legendary horse race without the hype — and the capacity crowds rushing in and out.

With no Triple Crown contender this go-round, ticket sales are running behind last year, says Jenny Kellner, assistant director of communications for the New York Racing Association (NYRA), which operates Belmont Park.

And, with an expected rematch between Preakness winner Exaggerator and Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist scratched by the latter’s illness, it’s even less likely that attendance will reach the park’s 90,000-attendee capacity, as it did last year when American Pharoah ended a 37-year Triple Crown drought.

PICNIC BASKET OR FOOD TRUCK

As a result, $25 general admission tickets will now be sold on race day. The least expensive Belmont Stakes option, it provides access to the Grandstand building concessions; the Grandstand apron, a patio where you can stand and watch the races; and the parklike backyard, with its children’s play areas and strolling musicians. Under the backyard shade trees, you can spread your blanket and your cooler full of snacks (coolers must be the see-through variety), or get there early to claim one of dozens of benches and picnic tables.

Looking to dine al fresco, with an international flavor? The park’s Food Truck Festival features two dozen or more of “the most popular food trucks in the New York metro area,” Kellner says. Choices include chilidogs, pizza, Korean barbecue, mac and cheese and, of course, ice cream.

TEST OF THE CHAMPION

Kellner says that even without a Triple Crown hopeful, the Belmont Stakes, which has a $1.5 million purse, remains “one of the most prestigious races to win.” Nicknamed The Test of the Champion, it was first held in the Bronx’s Jerome Park in 1867, and at 1½ miles is the longest of the Triple Crown’s three legs. It’s one of 10 stakes races that day, all of which attract thoroughbreds from across the nation and around the world.

ENTERTAINMENT

Fans of another kind of thoroughbred — “American Idol” fifth season finalist Chris Daughtry — can stay for the post-race concert by the North Carolina native’s Grammy-nominated rock band. Other performers include the U.S. Military Academy’s West Point Band, which will play the national anthem, and cast members from the hit Broadway musical “Beautiful. ”

TICKET OPTIONS

Got the urge to splurge? If you want to watch those thundering hoofs amid upscale amenities, Kellner says there is “extremely limited availability” for tickets to the elegant surroundings of the Champagne Room and the Marquee Tent.

Here’s the rundown on all available tickets:

General admission: $20 until June 10; $25 on race day

Outdoor dining in the backyard, free seating on benches and at picnic tables (first-come, first-served).

Reserved Grandstand seating: $65

A stadium-style trackside seat.

Marquee Tent: $300

An upscale catered buffet including beer, wine and soda inside a climate-controlled tent; admission to the clubhouse to watch the race on widescreen TVs.

Champagne Room: $500

Champagne served on a private, trackside patio; a reserved seat at a table in a climate-controlled dining room; live music, upscale seasonal buffet and premium open bar.

No success scoring tickets on the official Belmont Stakes website? Kellner suggests searching on ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com, the official website for resale tickets, certified by NYRA.

TICKET OPTIONS

Got the urge to splurge? If you want to watch those thundering hoofs amid upscale amenities, Kellner says there is “extremely limited availability” for tickets to the elegant surroundings of the Champagne Room and the Marquee Tent.

Here’s the rundown on all available tickets:

General admission: $20 until June 10; $25 on race day

Outdoor dining in the backyard, free seating on benches and at picnic tables (first-come, first-served).

Reserved Grandstand seating: $65

A stadium-style trackside seat.

Marquee Tent: $300

An upscale catered buffet including beer, wine and soda inside a climate-controlled tent; admission to the clubhouse to watch the race on widescreen TVs.

Champagne Room: $500

Champagne served on a private, trackside patio; a reserved seat at a table in a climate-controlled dining room; live music, upscale seasonal buffet and premium open bar.

No success scoring tickets on the official Belmont Stakes website? Kellner suggests searching on ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com, the official website for resale tickets, certified by NYRA.