Belmont Stakes 2013 Post Positions: Contenders with Best Historical Odds

The 2013 Belmont Stakes is almost upon us, as the field lines up to make history on Saturday at Belmont Park.

After Orb won the Kentucky Derby this year, Oxbow came out of nowhere to capture the Preakness Stakes, rapidly gaining followers and earning respect in the process.

Orb and Oxbow are two prime contenders this year, but don't be surprised if another horse steals their thunder. It's been that kind of year through two legs of the Triple Crown.

Here's a look at some of the top contenders. I've ranked their chances of winning the Belmont Stakes based on their talent and post positions.

*Official odds via BelmontStakes.com. Post position history via Belmont-Stakes.info.

3. Freedom Child (8-1)

Post: 2

Winners: 11

Freedom Child has won two of four starts in 2013, including a victory at the Grade 2 Peter Pan Stakes in May, in which the horse won by an incredible 13 1/4 lengths.

Freedom Child is in the No. 2 post position, which has historically produced 11 winners at the Belmont Stakes. The biggest thing for the horse will be winning at 1 1/2 miles. Freedom Child has never won past 1 1/8 miles in his career.

2. Oxbow (5-1)

Post: 7

Winners: 11

We know what Oxbow is capable of in a shorter race. The colt won at 1 3/16 miles at the Preakness Stakes, stunning the field in the process. The horse won at just over a mile at the LeComte Stakes in January, too.

There are some concerns about whether Oxbow has the stamina at Belmont Park (he placed sixth at the Kentucky Derby this year), but the scintillating run at Pimlico is hard to ignore. This horse has some momentum going for him.

Plus, there have been 11 winners from the No. 7 post position in Belmont Stakes history. That has to feel good for the thoroughbred. 

1. Orb (3-1)

Post: 5

Winners: 13

Orb's run at Pimlico was a disappointment. The Kentucky Derby winner was hyped as a potential Triple Crown winner before the Preakness Stakes, but ended up finishing fourth in the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Still, there have been 13 winners from the No. 5 post position in Belmont Stakes history. It has historically been a beneficial place to be.

Plus, it's not like Orb completely fell flat at Pimlico. The horse finished one spot from placing.

There's also the fact that Orb is the son of Malibu Moon, who comes from 1992 Horse of the Year A.P Indy. Malibu Moon has sired such standouts as Life at Ten, Devil May Care, Kauai Katie and Prospective.