How does the Belmont Field look Today?

Elmont, NY - Instead a looking at a possible Triple Crown winner this weekend, those planning on watching the 144th Running of the Belmont Stakes got a triple shock yesterday as I'll Have Another took to retirement after experiencing issues with the onset of tendonitis.

The race will still be run and there is a lot to look forward to as the odds will now shift a bit.  Dullahan will be the betting favorite in the field.

Look for Paynter and Unstoppable U to turn on the heat early as front runners.  Jockey Mike Smith should be giving Paynter a ride just like he did with Bodemeister in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.  This horse is trained by Bob Baffert and this past Wednesday Baffert said, "I thought Paynter was a much better horse than Bodemeister initially."  Paynter's odds are at 8/1 and he should still be to the front coming around the backside.  He'll try for the lead over Unstoppable U and My Adonis coming out of the far turn.

Those running at mid-pack will be Guyana Star Dweej, Dullahan, Antigun, Five Sixteen, Street Life and Optimizer with Union Rags to the back.

Down the stretch I believe Paynter will be on the lead, until jockey John Velazquez asks Union Rags to go, and it will be a dual to the finish between Dullahan and Union Rags. 

Despite Union Rags having problems in the Florida Derby and the Kentucky Derby, with a little bit more track and less traffic he should prove a major player in this race.

This morning weather reports were calling for 40% chance of rain.  If that becomes the case the top four contenders to run on a wet track are Paynter, who ran on a sloppy track in the Derby Trial.  Union Rags, he won the Grade 2 Saratoga Special in August on a sealed wet track, followed by Guyana Star Dweej, and Optimizer.