Belmont Stakes 2012 Horses: Handicapping the Race's Top Contenders

For the eighth time since 1997, a horse goes into the Belmont Stakes with a chance of winning the Triple Crown. However, there are a number of contenders who can take that honor away.

The last time a horse was able to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes was Affirmed in 1978. This year, fans are hoping I'll Have Another can break that streak.

However, those planning on following the race should keep an eye out for all of the contenders. 

Note: Odds courtesy of BelmontStakes.com.

I'll Have Another (4-5)

He won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in comeback fashion, narrowly defeating Bodemeister both times.

The good news is that the second-place horse in each race will not be competing at Belmont. 

At this point, the biggest question is if the extra length will hurt his chances. With an outside post and a longer track, no one will know until race time.

Dullahan (5-1)

The third-place finisher at the Kentucky Derby has the second-best odds at the track. 

He drew the No. 5 post, which could be bad based on the slower horses surrounding this contender. Dullahan is not known as a fast starter, so he could be in bad shape if he gets boxed in towards the beginning.

Union Rags (6-1)

After a disappointing run at the Kentucky Derby, Union Rags looks to redeem himself in the final leg of the Triple Crown.

He was one of the favorites at that point with four wins in six career starts, and the pure speed has not gone away.

With the No. 3 post, he can get good position early on and use that that to have a strong close for the win.

Paynter (8-1)

This horse is relatively unknown after not competing in either of the first two legs of the Triple Crown, but there is no denying its pure speed. 

Behind legendary trainer Bob Baffert, Paynter has a chance to really surprise people on a national stage.

Street Life (12-1)

Since 1905, 23 horses have won the Belmont Stakes out of the No. 1 post, 10 more than any other spot. At the Belmont this year, 18.5 percent of the horse from the inside post ended up winning.

Street Life drew the lucky post, and it gives the relative underdog a decent chance of pulling the upset.

With an early lead, this horse has a chance to hold on for the win.