2011 Belmont Stakes Odds: Animal Kingdom Tops Shackleford as Favorite

In what is considered a surprise move the odds-makers have made, Derby winner and Preakness runner-up, Animal Kingdom the 2-1 favorite going into the Belmont this weekend.

Why is everyone so surprised?

If the Preakness had been run on a track the same length as the Belmont, Animal Kingdom would probably be running for the Triple Crown this weekend.

Animal Kingdom has already authored two thrilling finishes in both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. Surely, anyone who was watching on May 21st got the feeling that if the race had an extra 300 yards then Animal Kingdom might have caught and beaten Shackleford.

John Velasquez and Animal Kingdom have proven that they can find a gear higher than any other horse in the field. In fact, Animal Kingdom appears to get stronger and continue accelerating all the way through the finish line. 

Why then, should there be any surprise that Animal Kingdom is favored over all other competitors in the longest leg of the Triple Crown?

In the closing seconds of the Preakness, Shackleford appeared to give an extra push to maintain his slight margin over Animal Kingdom.

The question then becomes, if the two horses are almost eye to eye again in the Belmont with more ground to cover to the finish, will Shackleford’s push be enough to hold off the unrelenting closing speed of Animal Kingdom?

The odds-makers appear to say no, and what’s more is that they don’t see Shackleford finishing second either.

According to Yahoo Sports and the Associated Press Nehro, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby, is the second favorite at 4-1.

This might have more to do with post position than anything, as Shackleford has drawn the dreaded 12th position for the Belmont.

Jesus Castanon will need a near flawless ride to accomplish a feat that no other horse and jockey combination ever has; winning out of the 12th position.

The top seven finishers from the Kentucky Derby are going to be taking part in the Belmont.

Regardless, look for Animal Kingdom to prove the experts right and win this race in the only way he knows how.

Closing like a runaway train.