Belmont Stakes 2011: Post Positions, Odds and Long Shot Picks to Win

The Belmont Stakes, the final leg of horse racing's Triple Crown, will take place Saturday June 11 on the famous Belmont Park Racetrack. The mile and a half race at Belmont is a test of endurance that not many horses can endure after a trying three race stretch in little more than a month's time.

This year's Belmont will be a grudge match between the favorite, Animal Kingdom and the Preakness winner Shackleford, who is the third favorite. The two horses compete against Nehro, a horse that has the class to be compete in a long distance marathon, may be the party crasher in the Belmont.

1. Master of Hounds 10-1

Master of Hounds has plenty of supporters that have followed the horse in his last two United States outings but the horse did not hit the board in either race. The Kentucky Derby was the last race Master of Hounds has shown up for in the U.S. and the fifth place finish was solid but disappointing.

2. Stay Thirsty 20-1

Stay Thirsty has two wins in his career , one was a maiden special weight race and the other was the Gotham Stakes. He disappointed his handlers in the Kentucky Derby and this race does not bode well for the colt.

3. Ruler on Ice 20-1

Ruler on Ice is a wild card in this race and may be a surprise since the gelding has shown well in his last two races of more than a mile.

4. Santiva 15-1

Santiva showed heart with a sixth place finish in the Kentucky Derby but the horse has not hit the board since February. The horse will be one to watch early but will fall short in the end.

5. Brilliant Speed 15-1

Brilliant Speed was a popular choice in the Kentucky Derby after he won the Bluegrass Stakes just before the Derby. Brilliant Speed failed to hit the board and this race looks to demanding for this horse.

6. Nehro 4-1

Nehro is in the perfect post position and has the perfect pedigree to make a run in the Belmont Stakes. If Nehro wins there will be three different winners. 4-1 makes Nehro a solid cover bet in this race.

7. Monzon 30-1

Monzon is an additional runner in this field. The largest field in the Belmont in a long time.

8. Prime Cut 15-1

Prime Cut has hit the board in his last five races and the horse is a sneaky pick in this spot. Prime Cut has not run a race more than one mile and an eighth. Consider Prime Cut in the exotics.

9. Animal Kingdom 2-1

The betting public will be on the Kentucky Derby winner but this is the best situation for this horse. The price is not right on Animal Kingdom and this horse will go off at even odds.

10. Mucho Macho Man 10-1

Mucho Macho Man has been a disappointment after some heavy hype before the Kentucky Derby. The horse has run third behind Nehro the last two times they faced each other. Keep the 10-1 shot in mind when making an exotic bet.

11. Isn't He Perfect 35-1

35-1 odds to win explains it all. Isn't He Perfect is not the perfect fit for the Belmont Stakes.

12. Shackleford 9-2

Shackleford made a great run in the Preakness to win the second leg of the Triple Crown. Shackleford will take the lead early but a mile and a half is too much to ask from this game horse.

Final Verdict:

Win: Nehro

Place: Mucho Macho Man

Show: Shackleford

sources:

DRF.com Belmont Stakes post positions and odds