Union Rags is one of the favorites for tonight's 2012 Belmont Stakes and the horse has had its odds improved. Union Rags had a 6-1 2012 Belmont Stakes odds for the better part of the last few days, but with Triple Crown contender I'll Have Another dropping out of the race, Union Rags saw its odds now fall down to just 5-2, making it one of two horses predicted to win the race.

Union Rags opens from the 3rd position in tonight's race. Jockey Julien Leparoux will ride the horse once again, which is considered to be one of the contenders now that I'll Have Another has been scratched from the race. The 2012 Belmont Stakes start time and official post time is 6:35pm ET this Saturday from Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. This is the 144th running of the Belmont Stakes was going to be highlighted by I'll Have Another attempting to become only the twelfth Triple Crown winner in history.

Union Rags has a lifetime career of seven races and has four wins, one place and one show. The horse has a combined winnings of more than $1,100,000 in just two years on the major circuit. Leparoux and Union Rags will probably be a very sexy pick at the Belmont Stakes because of the Triple Crown curse. Also, Union Rags ran well at both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, so he might be the best horse in the race now that I'll Have Another no longer will be racing for history. The horse should be fairly comfortable running on this track and has a very real shot at winning the race overall, in addition to probably finishing very well with exotic bets.

 Betting Dork: 144th Belmont Stakes:  Pregame Pro Marco D'Angelo and Pro Football Weekly's Mike Wilkening break down Saturday's Belmont Stakes with an eye toward whether or not I'll Have Another can pull of horse racing's 12th Triple Crown, on Thursday's Betting Dork  PLAY | DISCUSS | DOWNLOAD (to save: right mouse click, and select "save target as")

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Union Rags Odds - Belmont Contenders 2012 - Free Picks

Pregame.com Pro Marco D'Angelo and Dave Tuley from the Daily Racing Form discuss "Union Rags" in the 2012 Belmont Stakes - including odds, post positions, handicapping tips, favorites & long shots!