Belmont Stakes Draw 2012: Outside Position Is Imperative for I'll Have Another

I'll Have Another can become a major part of horse racing history with a Belmont Stakes victory, which would secure the Triple Crown. In order to maximize his chances, drawing an outside post position will be crucial.

In the Kentucky Derby, the talented colt was written off because he was starting on the extreme outside in gate No. 19. It's rare for a horse to start that far away from the rail and still manage to win because of all the extra ground that needs to get covered.

It wasn't enough to stop I'll Have Another. Jockey Mario Gutierrez did a terrific job of setting a reasonable pace early and left enough energy for a late comeback to pass Bodemeister to win the year's biggest race.

The story was very similar at the Preakness Stakes. The field wasn't as deep with only 11 horses, but I'll Have Another again started near the outside at No. 9. All of the other contenders were just to his inside, something that would normally be a disadvantage.

Instead, Gutierrez once again guided I'll Have Another right into striking range, maintaining that steady pace until the final turn, at which point his horse made another thrilling run down the stretch to narrowly edge out Bodemeister one more time.

So, it's clear the extra space provided by starting on the outside benefits I'll Have Another. It allows him to settle into the middle instead of being forced to exert early energy to keep up with the lead pack, opening the door for a late charge.

Starting on the outside again in the Belmont so he can find his comfort zone is paramount. The third leg of the Triple Crown checks in at 12 furlongs, which makes it the longest of the three races. That means Gutierrez needs to have a clear plan of attack. Starting on the outside again would help.

The three horses with the best chance of ending I'll Have Another's winning streak are Union Rags, Dullahan and Paynter.

Union Rags and Dullahan both raced in the Kentucky Derby before taking the Preakness off, so they should be well rested on Saturday. Paynter will be making his Triple Crown debut after an impressive run in his last race.

Based on the prior results, I'll Have Another will want all three of those horses to the inside of him. As they battle out of the gate, he'll be able to slide into position just like the previous two races and wait for his opportunity to pounce.

Even though the post position factor has basically been overlooked so far, it will have a major impact on the outcome of the race, especially if I'll Have Another doesn't end up on the outside.

There hasn't been a Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. Getting an ideal gate will help I'll Have Another in his attempt to end that drought.