Happy Belmont Stakes Day 2012 everyone! While the 144th running the the historic twelve-furlong classic did lose much of its luster yesterday morning when Kentucky Derby/Preakness winner I'll Have Another was scratched, there are still eleven promising three-year-olds still entered to race, including Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) winner Dullahan and Champagne Stakes (gr. I) winner Union Rags. In addition, there is a terrific set of supporting stakes races scheduled to be run on the undercard, including a pair of grade I events on the turf.
The first race of the card is already in the history books. The race, a $25,000 claiming race at 1 1/16th miles on the turf, was won in strong fashion by mild favorite I Dreamt I Was, who rallied from far back after a poor start to win in decisive fashion under Ramon Dominguez. Market Princess and Wet One also rallied well to finish second and third, respectively, while Forever Vow tired to fourth after opening up a seven-length early lead. The final time over a course labeled "firm" was 1:40.80, signaling that the turf may be playing fast today.
However, the possibility exists that the turf course could prove much slower later in the day, for thunderstorm are expected to arrived at Belmont sometime this afternoon.
As for the Belmont Stakes itself, early wagering has pegged Union Rags as the slightest of favorites over Dullahan, with Paynter a distant third choice. However, in the Brooklyn/Belmont double, which is usually a more accurate reflection of what the odds will be at post time, Dullahan is the narrow favorite. It should be interesting to see which horse actually ends up going off as the favorite, and by how much.
-Keelerman
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