Animal Kingdom Named Favorite For 2011 Belmont Stakes

June 8th, 2011- Chester

Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom was named the favorite for this Saturday’s running of the 2011 Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown events. Animal Kingdom won the first leg, but finished second three weeks ago the Shackleford at the Preakness.

As such, 2011 Belmont Stakes Betting Lines have set Animal Kingdom as the overall favorite to capture the race this week, going off at 5/2 on Bodog Sportsbook. Nehro follows just behind at 7/2, with Shackleford rounding out the top-three favorites at 5/1.

Animal Kingdom will leave from post position No.9 on Saturday for the Belmont Stakes, as his trainer and owner found out about the betting lines on Wednesday.

“It doesn’t change anything for us,” trainer Graham Motion said.

For Shackleford, he will look to win back-to-back Triple Crown events, as only 22 horses in history have won both of those races in the same year.

“It’s going to make Dale have to commit a little bit,” Motion said, referring to Shackleford’s post position No.12. “I don’t think he’s going to have a lot of choice. From my perspective, it’s not going to change anything.”

The Belmont Stakes is the longest track of the three Triple Crown events, at 1.5 miles. As such, the post positions are not considered as important as they might be in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. But that is not the opinion of everyone.

“It’s not a very long run to the first turn, so I do think it’s important,” Motion said. “I’m glad I’m not hung out there (like Shackleford).”

Odds to win the 2011 Belmont Stakes – Courtesy of Bodog Sportsbook

Animal Kingdom 5/2
Nehro 7/2
Shackleford 5/1
Master of Hounds 11/2
Mucho Macho Man 15/2
Brilliant Speed 14/1
Santiva 14/1
Prime Cut 20/1
Stay Thirsty 20/1
Monzon 30/1
Ruler On Ice 40/1
Isn’t He Perfect 50/1