Belmont Stakes 2012 Post Positions: Where Do Favorites Stand?

Now that the field is set after the post position draw, we can start looking at the favorites of the 2012 Belmont Stakes.

I'll Have Another is a 4-5 favorite, trying to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978.

But I'll Have Another isn't a sure thing at Belmont Park. Several contenders figure to give him a run for his money.

Here's a look at the top three favorites heading into Saturday's race.

Odds via Sporting News

3. Union Rags (6-1)

Union Rags started off the year well, capturing the Fountain of Youth Stakes in February and placing third at the Florida Derby. But he faltered at the Kentucky Derby as the favorite, finishing a disappointing seventh.

Beyond that, Union Rags is in the No. 3 post position, which has historically been a poor spot in the Belmont Stakes. I think Union Rags won't even place.

2. Dullahan (5-1)

This year, Dullahan has placed second at the Palm Beach Stakes, won the Blue Grass Stakes and finished third at the Kentucky Derby. Dullahan not only has the endurance to succeed at the Belmont Stakes, the No. 2 post position has placed four times in the past 10 years.

I really like Dullahan's chances, and I think he finishes second at Belmont Park.

1. I'll Have Another (4-5)

I'll Have Another couldn't have been pleased with his post position at No. 11, but the fact of the matter is that this is a strong horse that has the endurance to win the the Belmont Stakes.

I'll Have Another won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes on the last stretch, coming from far behind Bodemeister at Pimlico to shock the world. The No. 11 post has placed just once in the past 10 years, but I'll Have Another has all the makings off the next Triple Crown winner.

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