Belmont Stakes 2012: Best Bets to Crush I'll Have Another's Triple Crown Dreams

I’ll Have Another is guaranteed nothing.

The 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes victor is looking to complete the trifecta at the Belmont. The Triple Crown hopeful is a heavy favorite for the race, but with all eyes on him, don’t forget that an underdog won the first two legs. Here are the three most likely horses to end I’ll Have Another’s dreams and continue the drought (odds via All Horse Racing).

3. Paynter (6/1 Odds)

Bob Baffert couldn’t defeat I’ll Have Another with Bodemeister, so why not try another horse? But while the legendary trainer boasts three wins at Churchill Downs and five at Pimlico, he has just one at the Belmont.

Paynter placed first in his last race and will look to ride his momentum to an upset victory.

2. Union Rags (4/1 Odds)

Despite placing just seventh at the Derby, Union Rags is expected to finish in the winner’s circle at the Belmont. In seven career races he’s finished first four times, so he’s a proven closer.

His trainer, Michael R. Matz, trained Barbaro back in 2003.

1. Dullahan (4/1 Odds)

Out of all the horses in the 2012 Preakness Stakes, Dullahan is by far the biggest threat to knock off I’ll Have Another. He placed third in the Kentucky Derby this year and would’ve been a favorite for the Preakness had he raced in it.

His trainer Dale Romans’ specialty is the Preakness so it’s surprising that he chose not to enter the horse. Romans won the 2011 Preakness with Shackleford only to watch the thoroughbred finish fifth in the Belmont.

According to Jack Shinar of ESPN, assistant trainer Baldemar Bahena said of Dullahan’s training at Churchill Downs: "He came out of the Derby very well and today's work was good. He will work again here next Saturday and then we will ship him to Belmont. He'll have his final workout for the race up there."

There aren’t any contenders with Bodemeister-like resumes, but that doesn’t mean I’ll Have Another has the Triple Crown on lock.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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