ELMONT, N.Y. For all the prestige that comes with its status as an American classic, the $1 million Belmont Stakes loses some of its edge with the absence of Triple Crown hopes.

Despite having both Kentucky Derby winner Orb and Preakness Stakes victor Oxbow in the mix, Saturday's 145th running of the 11/2-mile race lacks some sizzle.

What has emerged to some surprise is an upstart entrant attracting buzz during preparations for this year's "Test of the Champion."

With every trip to the track Freedom Child has made leading up to his scheduled start in the Belmont Stakes, the Malibu Moon ridgling has made an admirable case as to why 13 other challengers could end up in his wake Saturday evening.

One could argue Freedom Child's morning outings have been the most impressive of the Belmont contenders with his gallops routinely fluid with just the right amount of aggressiveness.

Adding to his respect is the prospect of the Belmont track being in the same sloppy condition Saturday that it was May 11 when he freaked over it during his 131/4-length, gate-to-wire win in the Grade II Peter Pan Stakes.

While big wins over sealed, wet tracks can be among the most deceiving when trying to judge true form, Freedom Child's front-running style something he'll need when he breaks from post No. 2 makes him an X-factor in a race that tactically hinges on pace.

"If I'm managing another horse in the field, my thoughts right away, they're going to go to Freedom Child especially if I'm a horse who will be forwardly placed," said Terry Finley, founder of West Point Thoroughbreds, which co-owns Freedom Child along with St. Elias Stable and his breeder, Spendthrift Farm. "If I'm a rider or a trainer and I look at the Peter Pan and especially if it's sloppy on Saturday, I'm probably a little concerned if I would make the right decision.

"If he gets a shot to get comfortable and get framed up down the backside ... we're going to be smiling. Then it's just going to be a matter if he's good enough and if one of the other ones doesn't have a really good day."

The more positive chatter surrounding Freedom Child the more it helps his connections get over the Grade I Wood Memorial on April 6.

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Freedom Child emerges as Belmont's 'buzz horse'