Belmont Stakes 2012 Odds: Union Rags and Horses Ready to Shine at Belmont

With Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner I'll Have Another out of the race, the Belmont Stakes is more wide open than ever. With the odds being dramatically shifted without the clear favorite, here are the latest odds according to Bovada.

Street Life 8/1

Unstoppable U 20/1

Union Rags 3/1

Atigun 15/1

Dullahan 9/5

Ravelo's Boy 30/1

Five Sixteen 30/1

Guyana Star Dweej 30/1

Paynter 7/2

Optimizer 15/1

My Adonis 15/1

Out of the field of 11 here are a few horses who are sure to steal the spotlight that could have belonged to I'll Have Another.

Union Rags

One of the favorites in the post-I'll Have Another field, Union Rags is in prime position for a strong showing at the Belmont. The best thing Union Rags has going for him is rest. After a disappointing showing at the Kentucky Derby (7th), trainer Michael Matz pulled the horse out of the Preakness to focus on the Belmont.

Prior to the Derby, Union Rags had finished no worse than third in any race. As long as he can avoid getting caught up in too much traffic early on, Union Rags can be expected to have a redeeming performance in the Belmont.

Street Life

Similar to Union Rags, Street Life should have rest on his side. The colt wasn't present at either the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness and has had nearly a month off since running at the Belmont on May 12. The rest should outweigh the inexperience for the colt.

The fact that Street Life should have fresh legs and already had a solid showing at the Belmont track once this year sets the stage for him to become the big story of the day.

Paynter

Coming in at 7/2 odds, Paynter is one of the favorites in the Belmont—and deservedly so. He has had solid showings at both Churchill Downs and Pimlico, finishing 2nd at the Derby Trial and 1st in the Allowance race. Paynter may not be as well rested as the previously mentioned horses but he is the most proven of the bunch.

If he can remain unfazed by the bright lights and pressure of the Belmont Stakes then we could see a great showing and a potential winner.