Horsemen at Belmont Park yesterday offered their expert opinions on who will win tomorrow’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Here’s a sampling:

Stewart Elliott (won last year’s Derby aboard Smarty Jones): “Afleet Alex has a pretty good shot. There is plenty of speed in the race and he has the ability to come off the pace. Plus, I’ve ridden for Tim Ritchey and I know Jeremy Rose a bit. Reminds me of last year with Servis, Smarty Jones and myself. I’ll be rooting for them.”

Richard Migliore (jockey): “So many can win the race, but if Bellamy Road runs his race, everyone is running for second money.”

Allen Jerkens (Hall of Fame trainer): “Bellamy Road looks tough, but I also like Bandini and Afleet Alex.”

Mark Hennig (trainer): “Sun King. I will excuse his race at Keeneland. That can be a funky track.”

Jorge Velasquez (Hall of Fame jockey): “Bellamy Road won the Wood very impressively, he is well bred, well trained and has a very good rider.”

Joe Aquilino (trainer): “Bandini looks to me like he is getting better with each race.”

Barry Schwartz (former NYRA president): “Loved Bellamy Road’s allowance win at Gulfstream and he was even more impressive in the Wood.”

Larry Collmus (track announcer): “Wilko. If the Red Sox can win the World Series, then a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner can win the Kentucky Derby.”