Triple Crown 2012: What I'll Have Another Must Do to Win Belmont Stakes

I’ll Have Another may not have a clue as to what is going on right now—and maybe that’s a good thing.

After winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, a win at the Belmont Stakes is the only thing that stands between I’ll Have Another and the Triple Crown. Considering there hasn’t been a Triple Crown winner since 1978, this is an historic event.

So what does I’ll Have Another have to do to win?

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Like I said earlier, it’s a good thing this colt has no idea he is on the brink of history. Clearly his routine makes him feel comfortable, and now is not the time to change a thing. Give him the same amount of oats, allow him to practice the same amount of time, and don’t introduce him to anything that’s not familiar at this point.

According to the New York Daily News, the three-year-old chestnut took his first test run on the track last Friday, and the results were excellent. Just ask assistant trainer Jack Sisterson:

"

It was his first time galloping out since the Preakness and he looked super. One thing we were looking to see how he got over the track, stride wise, and he looked fantastic. The rider said he felt good and he's happy, so we're happy.

"

Since 1919, 30 horses have had the opportunity to win the Triple Crown heading into the final leg and only 11 have succeeded. To avoid the same fate, I’ll Have Another has to have the exact same training regimen of the previous two big races. Jockey Mario Gutierrez can’t let his emotions get the best of him.

The more even keel the better.

The main competition in the race is going to be Union Rags, who was one of the favorites in the Kentucky Derby before an awful start out of the gate doomed the colt. I’ll Have Another must get off to another fast start to ensure Union Rags doesn’t catch him in the final stretch. This is the one horse that has a serious shot of pulling the upset.

It’s going to be the most thrilling horse race in four years, and the key will be consistency. I’ll Have Another is riding terrific momentum, and sticking with the same schedule is essential.

If it ain't broke, don’t fix it.

As long as he gets off to strong start to avoid a late charge from Union Rags, history will be made at Belmont. 

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