by Renee Israel
All is set for the 2012 Belmont Stakes. The list of
contenders is final, the posts have been allotted and the race track handicapper
has declared his morning line odds.
Tomorrow (Saturday, June 8) horse racing enthusiasts all over the world will
know whether America has a new Triple Crown winner. There is not much time left
for punters to place their bets, so below is a final recap to help them make
their choices.
Contenders in 2012 Belmont Stakes
The favourite I'll Have Another, who is in line for the Triple Crown, has
drawn post 11. This is not considered a good post, but trainer Doug O'Neill
thinks it will be the perfect vantage point from which to watch the pace
develop. The odds have not gone longer after the post draw.
Antigun has not raced since March 2012 and even before that does not have a
record worth writing home about. But he has looked good during the workouts. Has
drawn post 4, which is fine.
Dullahan has drawn post 5, which is one of the best statistically and
tactically for the Belmont track. The horse was rested for the Preakness Stakes
and hence will be fresh. Dullahan, however has a new jockey for the Belmont
Stakes.
Optimizer finished 11th in the Kentucky Derby and 6th
in the Preakness Stakes. The opinion is that he does not have the juice to run a
long race like the Belmont Stakes. Optimizer, however, has been trained by D
Wayne Lukas, who has four Belmont Stakes winners to his name.
Paynter is the fourth favourite according to the morning line odds. The best
thing going for him is that he has been trained by Bob Baffert. With Bodemeister
out of the race Baffert has focused totally on Paynter and he is a good bet for
those who like to play with the longer odds.
Union Rags is another horse that was rested for the Preakness. Like Dullahan,
he has a new jockey. Union Rags was considered one of the top horses before the
disastrous Florida race and needs a big win in order to regain his reputation.
The other contenders are Guyana Star Dweej, Ravello's Boy, Street Life,
Unstoppable U and My Adonis.
Below are the official morning line odds at William Hill. The odds at the
different UK facing online betting sites are likely to be somewhat different and
punters should check out at least a couple of online sports books before placing
wagers.
Morning Line Odds for 2012 Belmont Stakes
I'll Have Another - EVS
Dullahan - 7/2
Union Rags - 11/2
Paynter - 6/1
Street Life - 12/1
Optimizer - 25/1
Atigun - 33/1
Ravelo's Boy - 33/1
Unstoppable U - 33/1
My Adonis - 40/1
Five Sixteen - 100/1
Guyana Star Dweej - 100/1
