Belmont Stakes 2012: Trainer Trouble Won't Hinder I'll Have Another's Chances

I'll Have Another has a shot to become a legend by winning the elusive Triple Crown at the 2012 Belmont Stakes, and I dare say nothing is going to stand in his way.

For all intents and purposes, it seems as if this horse has a date with destiny. If his run at the 2012 Kentucky Derby didn't prove it to you, perhaps his brilliant follow-up win at the 2012 Preakness did.

All that's left is one elusive win at the Belmont Stakes.

While the horse's focus is on the track, his trainer, Doug O'Neill undoubtedly has a few more things to worry about, and it's not all positive. According to AP racing writer Beth Harris, via the Chicago Sun-Times, O'Neill is facing a suspension after the Belmont:

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Despite vigorously denying he gave one of his horses an illegal performance-enhancing mixture, trainer Doug O’Neill was suspended 45 days — a ban that won’t take effect until after his superstar colt, I’ll Have Another, tries to win the Triple Crown.

After a nearly two-year legal battle, California racing officials agreed with O’Neill but still found fault because of a rule that says trainers are ultimately responsible for horses in their care.

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O'Neill will also be fined $15,000 according to Harris, and he can appeal his punishment.

While this is undoubtedly an issue for his trainer, it won't impact I'll Have Another's chances at the 2012 Belmont Stakes. O'Neill will still be able to run his horse, and obviously drama like this won't impact the horse itself.

All I'll Have Another will have to do is follow up the last two brilliant races with just one more, and that's something that he has a great shot at doing. He's got a great combination of size, speed and power, and his jockey Mario Gutierrez knows how to race him to perfection.

There's a reason the Triple Crown is such a legendary feat—it's incredibly hard to do.

That being said, if there's a horse that can do it, it's I'll Have Another.