Belmont 2012: How Longer Track Will Affect I'll Have Another

The Belmont Stakes is one and a half miles in length. That makes it by far the longest of any of the three Triple Crown races.

Considering that the Kentucky Derby is just one and a quarter miles and the Preakness Stakes is one and three-sixteenth of a mile, there is a lot of ground for each potential winner to cover.

Fortunately for fan favorite I’ll Have Another, he seems like he is built to run long distances and has been displaying his best form at the end of races lately.

Look no further than his back-to-back wins over Bodemeister at Churchill and Pimlico if you need proof.

When it comes down to the stretch at Belmont on June 9, it’s looking likely that the 3-year-old colt will finish in first and claim the first Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing since 1978.

The horse is a long strider that does not need to be up near the front of the pack to finish strong. Eventually, I’ll Have Another will wear down every other competitor and make his late surge to claim the victory.

Bodemeister has been the only colt that has shown any ability whatsoever to maintain pace (although ultimately failing at the end) and will not even be entered in the field for the Belmont Stakes.

This means it is I’ll Have Another’s to lose, and it will not happen. The horse is too good and has one of the best teams in the world surrounding it.

The extra distance at Belmont is just icing on the cake and is insurance that I’ll Have Another will win the Triple Crown.