Belmont Stakes 2012 Horses: Why Dullahan Should Be Real Belmont Favorite

Following I'll Have Another's untimely exit on Friday, the 2012 Belmont Stakes is up for grabs on Saturday at Belmont Park.

I'll Have Another, who was withdrawn due to an injury to his left front tendon on Friday, was attempting to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978.

The question is, who will emerge as the favorite now?

Well, in my opinion, you have Dullahan, Paynter and Union Rags, which isn't exactly sexy, but should still provide a competitive race.

Union Rags, of course, was tabbed to be the favorite headed into the Kentucky Derby this year. At the time, he was coming off a victory at the Fountain of Youth Stakes and a third-place finish at the Florida Derby.

But Union Rags fell hard at the Derby, finishing seventh. He hasn't run since.

Then there's Paynter, a Bob Baffert horse. After Bodemeister failed to close out the Derby and the Preakness Stakes, Baffert has gotten the hint that Bodemeister isn't quite ready for a long race. He's decided to go with Paynter, who has the potential to be a winner now.

Paynter only has four races to his name, but he's won twice in 2012, placing fourth at the Santa Anita Derby and second at the Cliff's Edge Derby Trial Stakes. He still is rather inexperienced, though, and this is by far his biggest race.

That leaves us with Dullahan. Dullahan is the new favorite, given 9-5 odds after I'll Have Another withdrew.

I tend to agree that Dullahan will win the 2012 Belmont Stakes.

First of all, Dullahan is incredibly consistent. In nine career starts, he's placed seven times, including two victories.

Second of all, Dullahan has been impressive in 2012. He won the Blue Grass Stakes in April, placed second at the Palm Beach Stakes and third at the Kentucky Derby.

Third, Dullahan is rested. He hasn't raced since the Derby.

Fourth, Dullahan has a prime post position. He's in the middle at No. 5 and the No. 5 post has placed three times since 2002.

I expect Paynter and Union Rags to place, but Dullahan has a lot going for him on Saturday and he should emerge victorious in the third leg of the Triple Crown.

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