With I’ll Have Another in the line-up, the odds for the 2012 Belmont Stakes were a rather easy field to put together. I’ll Have Another was the overwhelming favorite to win at 4-5 odds while others like Dullahan and Union Rags took the second and third favorite spots respectively.
Now that I’ll Have Another is scratched, it’s clear that Vegas doesn’t quite know what to do with the new field present for tomorrow night’s race. Eventually the odds will set be and bettors will be able to place their wagers, but for now the lines are unavailable until further notice. That shows just how up in the air it all is at this point.
There’s no favorite without I’ll Have Another, but there’s not even a clear second best without Bodemeister as well. Union Rags skipped the Preakness, so it will likely be down to a questionable favorite with either Union Rags or Dullahan. Paynter could be a horse to watch given the changed field at this point, and perhaps that will be a late darkhose. For now, everyone, even Vegas, is shocked at the news today.
A video from SB Nation's YouTube channel about the history of the Triple Crown:
For lots more on the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown, please visit And Down The Stretch They Come.