Belmont Stakes 2012 Field: Breaking Down Top Contenders for I'll Have Another

Even though Bodemeister won't be at the 2012 Belmont Stakes to challenge I'll Have Another until the finish line like he did at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, the task of winning in New York won't be easy for I'll Have Another.

For him to win the final chapter of the Triple Crown and make history, he will have to defeat several talented horses in the Belmont field. Let's look at the three top contenders for I'll Have Another.

Dullahan

Dullahan was a top contender coming into the Kentucky Derby last month and finished third behind Bodemesiter and I'll Have Another.

He is well suited for a track like the one at the Belmont Stakes because of his strong endurance. In his last five races, Dullahan has finished third or better three times, and has two victories since October.

Paynter

Top horse trainer Bob Baffert couldn't beat I'll Have Another at Churchill Downs or Pimlico with Bodemeister, but he might be able to win with Paynter, who is a remarkable horse.

In four career races, Paynter has two victories, a runner-up finish, and a fourth place performance. Expect this horse to challenge I'll Have Another for the entire Belmont Stakes.

Union Rags

Union Rags might be the toughest competition for I'll Have Another in his Triple Crown run. Union Rags is one of the best trained horses in the field, and is well suited for the long Belmont Stakes track.

In his last seven career races, Union Rags has won four times. He's no stranger to performing well in big races.