Belmont Stakes 2012 Field: Power Ranking I'll Have Another's Biggest Obstacles

I'll Have Another will attempt to run his way into history at the 2012 Belmont Stakes, but several potential villains will be lurking on Saturday.

As jockey Mario Gutierrez and his horse try to become the first Triple Crown winners since 1978, they will have to battle 11 capable horses, as well as some discouraging historical facts.

Since Affirmed won the Triple Crown 34 years ago, 11 horses have won the first two legs of the Crown. All 11 have failed in the third.

But more important than that 0-for-11 mark is the simple fact that there are some damn good horses in Saturday's field. Here are the top contenders who can dethrone I'll Have Another.

All betting odds courtesy of FOXSports.com

Dullahan

The oddsmakers have Dullahan as the second best horse in the field. He is currently sitting at 5-1 odds, which is certainly reasonable given his past success.

Dullahan has already won one race in 2012, claiming first place at the Blue Grass Stakes in April. He followed that up with a highly respectable third place finish at the Kentucky Derby in May.

Dullahan also has a couple of advantages over I'll Have Another. He skipped the Preakness, so he'll be well rested, and he's starting in Post 5, which has been home to the second most Belmont winners since 1970.

Dullahan is a smart bet on Saturday.

Union Rags

After a very promising start to his career, Union Rags has struggled lately.

He won the first three races of his career and four of his first five. But since then, he has finished third at the Florida Derby and a disappointing seventh at the Kentucky Derby.

Still, there's no denying that this is an exceptionally talented horse, and because he hasn't raced since May 5, he should be well rested and ready to go.

I personally don't think Union Rags can hang with Dullahan and I'll Have Another, but at 6-1 odds, he's not a bad bet.

Paynter

I'll Have Another's rival Bodemeister is sitting this one out, so Bob Baffert's other elite horse will be running at the Belmont.

Paynter has finished no worse than fourth in four career races, and he won his last race in late April. He's also starting in the ninth post, which has produced three winners since 1998.

I don't think Paynter is capable of beating I'll Have Another, but bigger upsets have occurred at the Belmont. And with 8-1 odds, Paynter is a solid bet on Saturday.