I'll Have Another Out: Absence of Contender Still Makes for Competitive Race

To say I'll Have Another bowing out of the 2012 Belmont Stakes was a letdown would be an understatement. It may have been catastrophic for the Triple Crown contender if he raced, but it's a big blow to horse racing with him out.

But that doesn't mean the Belmont Stakes this year will be disappointing.

I'll Have Another, despite his brilliant runs at the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, wasn't a sure thing to win this race. There are several contenders who figure to make waves on Saturday at Belmont Park.

It all starts with Dullahan, in my opinion, the 9-5 favorite now. Dullahan is not only consistent, placing seven times in nine career starts, he's had an impressive 2012 campaign and he's in a good post position.

Dullahan placed second at the Palm Beach Stakes, first at the Blue Grass Stakes and third at the Kentucky Derby. He's rested and should have a great run.

Dullahan is also in the No. 5 post position, which has placed three times in the past 10 years. Starting in the middle should serve the three-year-old colt well.

There's also Bob Baffert's entry, Paynter. Paynter has only four career starts to his name, but he's been impressive this year. Paynter has two first-place finishes, a fourth-place finish at the Santa Anita Derby and a second-place finish at the Cliff's Edge Derby Trial Stakes. Many believe he's just realizing his potential.

Then there's Union Rags, who was the favorite at the Kentucky Derby this year. Union Rags started off red-hot, with a win at the Fountain of Youth Stakes and a third-place finish at the Florida Derby, but disappointed with a seventh-place finish at the Kentucky Derby.

Nonetheless, Union Rags hasn't raced since, which means he should be well-rested and ready to do damage at Belmont Park.

There is also some sentiment that Street Life will have a good race, given his 8-1 odds. He has two victories on the year and placed third at the Peter Pan Stakes in May.

Even though I'll Have Another's absence is disappointing, the 2012 Belmont Stakes still figures to be an exciting race.

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