Belmont Stakes 2012: Union Rags and Top Horses That Can Upset I'll Have Another

Union Rags trainer Michael Matz said Tuesday that he's making a switch atop his horse ahead of the 2012 Belmont Stakes, with John Velazquez taking over for two-time runner Julian Leparoux.

The change wasn't a surprise. But the switch from Matz may put Union Rags, who finished seventh at the Kentucky Derby with Leparoux in the saddle, back in the running to knock off I'll Have Another and company at the Belmont Stakes in 17 days time. 

Matz, via the Belmont Stakes official website, knew a change had to be made. 

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We felt we had to make a change. What happened before, in the last two races, it can happen to any one of them. He doesn’t look like he’s difficult to ride. He does have a big, long stride, and you need to let him use that stride.

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Union Rags finished a disappointing seventh at Churchill Downs in the first leg of the Triple Crown races after a forgettable start left him too much distance to cover late. He finished nearly seven lengths behind the eventual winner, I'll Have Another.

The finish at the Kentucky Derby followed a third-place run at the Florida Derby back in late March. Prior to Velazquez taking over, Union Rags had run three first-place finishes and a second to start his racing career. 

It was time for a change at jockey with such a powerful horse running. 

An early favorite at the Kentucky Derby, Union Rags will look to put forth a better race at the Belmont— where I'll Have Another has a chance to become the first Triple Crown winner since Secretariat did it in 1978. Seattle Slew did it one year early in '77.  

If there is any horse in the field that is going to end I'll Have Another's run to the Triple Crown, it might be Union Rags. There's no Bodemeister, who won't run at the Belmont. But if Union Rags is not up to the challenge that Bodemeister failed to accomplish at both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, these three horses may also take a run at ending history.

Dullahan

A third-place finish at the Kentucky Derby, and a win at the Blue Grass in early April, should give Dullahan a puncher's chance at dethroning I'll Have Another in the winner's circle. The wide open space at the Belmont will give Dullahan room to run. 

Paynter  

Bob Baffert's three-year-old colt can really run—even if the Belmont Stakes will represent the first Triple Crown race he's entered. Paynter can win the race if he's solid from start to finish, but he'll need some luck to take down I'll Have Another.

Alpha

Alpha has a long ways to go after finishing a distant 12th at the Kentucky Derby; but he was so solid in his three starts prior to Churchill Downs. The 1.5 mile marathon at the Belmont shouldn't be a problem for this well-run horse.