Belmont Stakes 2012 Odds: I'll Have Another's Injury Opens Door for Underdogs

The horse racing world is still trying to come to grips with the loss of I'll Have Another at Saturday's Belmont Stakes, but as they say, the show must go on. 

Losing I'll Have Another does take the shine off the race, so we have to figure out which horses are going to benefit from his misfortune. 

With new odds being released shortly after the announcement of I'll Have Another being scratched, here are the underdogs who will thrive at the Belmont Stakes. 

Odds courtesy of Daily Racing Form

Five Sixteen (30-1 Odds)

Looking at the odds, it is clear that Five Sixteen is not well-regarded coming into this race. He has had mixed results throughout his career, but has started to come on strong in three races this year. In four races this year, he has finished first, second, third and fourth. By comparison, he finished sixth and 10th in two races late last year. 

So why does this horse, who the oddsmakers have so little love for, deserve respect? Because he is drew post position No. 7. 

Horse racing fans are nothing if not superstitious. They are going to go over every angle they possibly can to find a reason why to bet on an underdog. Since 2007, three horses have won the Belmont Stakes from Five Sixteen's post. 

Optimizer (15-1)

Unlike a lot of the horses in the Belmont field, Optimizer has at least challenged himself by participating in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Though his results in those two races have been middling at best, he is in peak physical condition. 

One of the biggest keys to winning the Belmont Stakes is having the proper conditioning. It is a longer race than the Derby or Preakness, so you need a thoroughbred who can handle the grueling 1.5-mile race. 

Optimizer may not have the results you look for in a potential winner, but there is something to be said for putting your horse in a position to succeed, even if it doesn't always happen. 

My Adonis (15-1)

Aside from having the best name in the Belmont Stakes, My Adonis is quickly making a name for himself in the horse racing community. 

Like Optimizer, Adonis has not had sterling results throughout his career. He mixed in a disappointing seventh-place finish at April's Wood Memorial with three top-three finishes this year. Consistency has never been Adonis' friend, but all it takes is one great run for all that ill-will to go away. 

Plus, Adnois' owners, George and Lori Hall, know a thing or two about success at the Belmont Stakes. They also owned last year's winner, Ruler On Ice, who had odds longer than Adonis does right now. 

POST POSITION	HORSE (ODDS)
No. 1	Street Life (8-1)
No. 2	Unstoppable U (20-1)
No. 3	Union Rags (3-1)
No. 4	Atigun (15-1)
No. 5	Dullahan (9-5)
No. 6	Ravelo's Boy (30-1)
No. 7	Five Sixteen (30-1)
No. 8	Guyana Star Dweej (30-1)
No. 9	Paynter (7-2)
No. 10	Optimizer (15-1)
No. 11	I'll Have Another (Scratched)
No. 12	My Adonis (15-1)

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