The current 2011 Belmont Stakes betting odds as of this morning are listed below and Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom is still the current favorite at 5-2. The 143rd Belmont Stakes is set for approximately 6:36 p.m. this Saturday at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The prize pool is $1,000,000 and will consist of  3-year-olds on a 1-1/2 mile dirt track.

1. Master of Hounds, opening odds 10-1 (updated odds 5-1)): Very strong chance to upset Animal Kingdom. Skipped a possible start in the English Derby for this race.
2. Stay Thirsty, (opening odds 20-1 (updated odds 12-1)): Even though this is "home" for Stay Thirsty he has been smoked in bigger races and only has a 89 career best Beyer.
3. Ruler On Ice, (opening odds 20-1 (updated odds 42-1)): Love the 42-1 odds on a horse that is solid at longer distances. Shocker?
4. Santiva, (opening odds 15-1 (updated odds 8-1)): Good choice for exotics, but can't see him running ahead of Animal Kingdom or Shackleford.
5. Brilliant Speed,  (opening odds 15-1 (updated odds 9-1)): Has yet to crack a 100 Beyer Rating and faces six horses at the Belmont who were ahead of him at the Derby.
6. Nehro,  (opening odds 4-1 (updated odds 5-1)): Has the ability to be placed in exotics, but not in the class as someone like Animal Kingdom.
7. Monzon,  (opening odds 30-1 (updated odds 55-1)): A run of 5th and 6th place finishes does not bode well for him today.
8. Prime Cut,  (opening odds 15-1 (updated odds 18-1)): Has the speed, but lacks the stamina to win on Saturday.
9. Animal Kingdom, (opening odds 2-1 (updated odds 5-2)): Back to back 103 Beyer Figures and dominant in both the Derby and Preakness. Only weather can stand in his way Saturday.
10. Mucho Macho Man,  (opening odds 10-1 (updated odds 6-1)): It was the shoes! That is the word from the camp of Mucho Macho Man on the disappointment at the Preakness. Dropped down to 6-1, so today could be interesting.
11. Isn't He Perfect,  (opening odds 30-1 (updated odds 39-1)): Has yet to come close to the average winning Beyer (106) for winning the Belmont yet in his career.
12. Shackleford,  (opening odds 9-2 (updated odds 16-1)): Up to 16-1, which is suprising considering a 419 rating in wet conditions.

Comment below:  Based on the updated Belmont Stakes betting odds fro Saturday, does this change any of your wager choices?

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