Preakness 2012: Horses That Skipped Preakness with Best Chances to Win Belmont

Although they didn't run at the Preakness, several horses have a great shot at spoiling I'll Have Another's Triple Crown bid at the 2012 Belmont Stakes.

Of course, it won't be easy. Not only is the 1.5-mile Belmont the most physically demanding jewel of the Crown, but it's also perfectly suited to I'll Have Another's late-surging style.

Still, no horse is unbeatable. Since 1978, 11 horses have won the first two legs of the Triple Crown, only to have their dreams shattered at the Belmont. Here are the top contenders to dish out a similar fate to I'll Have Another.

Union Rags

Union Rags entered the Kentucky Derby at 5-1 odds, but he stumbled out of the gates, ending up with a respectable, but disappointing, seventh-place finish. 

Despite the poor result, I like his chances at the Belmont. I doubt he will get squeezed so severely out of the gate again, and based on his late rise from 18th to seventh, he should do fine on the long Belmont track.

Paynter

The Bob Baffert-trained Paynter hasn't run in either of the first two Triple Crown legs, but with the weary Bodemeister sitting out the Belmont, Paynter will get his chance.

He's currently listed at 8-1 odds, which seems fair seeing as how he has finished fourth or better in his last three races, and he should be very fresh after not having raced since late April.

Don't be surprised if Baffert finally gets a win in this year's Triple Crown.

Dullahan

With I'll Have Another and Bodemeister stealing the show, it's easy to forget that Dullahan finished third at the Kentucky Derby.

After skipping the Preakness, he is now listed at 5-1 odds for the Belmont. The horse has been on fire recently, finishing in the top three in all three of his races this year.

Although I'm expecting I'll Have Another to complete the Triple Crown, Dullahan is the best bet to upset him.