There's no way around it. The 144th running of the Belmont Stakes will be viewed by many as a disappointment before it even starts. It could turn out to be the most thrilling mile and a half in the history of horse racing, somehow, but many will keep wondering what could have been.
Would we have had another Triple Crown winner if I'll Have Another had not been scratched?
On Friday, trainer Doug O'Neill broke the news that I'll Have Another will miss the Belmont -- and never race again -- due to tendonitis in his left front leg. Although I'll Have Another is unable to run for the Triple Crown, the chestnut colt is still set to appear in the winner's circle at Belmont Park. The winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes is to be honored with a retirement ceremony.
While most racing fans -- and certainly everyone who paid to advertise during the NBC broadcast -- would rather have I'll Have Another breaking from the 11th post position, the owners, trainers and jockeys tied to the remaining horses must fancy their chances a bit more.
Dullahan was initially installed as the favorite after I'll Have Another was scratched but Union Rags would take over that status in the hours before the race.
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