NEW YORK, (Reuters) – Triple Crown hopeful I’ll Have Another drew barrier 11 for Saturday’s $1 million Belmont Stakes at yesterday’s post position draw.
The three-year-old, bidding to become the first horse in 34 years to complete the elusive treble of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, drew the second widest post-position in the 12-horse field.
Despite the awkward draw, bookmakers installed the chestnut colt as the 4-5 odds-on favourite for the one and a half mile (2,414 metre) classic as he bids to become just the 12th horse to complete the Triple Crown.
Dullahan, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby but skipped the Preakness, was listed as the second choice at 5-1 after drawing gate five.
Union Rags, a 6-1 hope, drew barrier three while Paynter was listed at odds of 8-1 after getting post position nine. All of the remaining runners were quoted at double-figure odds.
The field was extended to 12 runners when the Kelly Breen-trained My Adonis was entered on the morning of the draw.
Breen won the race last year with Ruler On Ice.
Latest odds for Saturday’s Belmont Stakes after yesterday’s post position draw.
4-5 I’ll Have Another
5-1 Dullahan
6-1 Union Rags
8-1 Paynter
12-1 Street Life
20-1 Optimizer, My Adonis
30-1 Atigun, Unstoppable U
50-1 Five Sixteen, Guyana Star Dweej, Ravelo’s Boy.