Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, I’ll Have Another, scratched from Belmont Stakes betting
The horse racing community was devastated Friday as I’ll Have Another withdrew from the Belmont
The horse racing world was on a high the past few weeks as sports handicapping sites and odds makers anticipated the chance of witnessing the first Triple Crown champion in 34 years. On Friday the mood went from that of a party to more of a funeral as I’ll Have Another withdrew from Belmont Stakes betting.
Owners have suggested it was a tendon issue in his left front leg and that they did not want to risk furthering the damage. They noticed a lack of definition early in the week and took steps to reduce swelling but the decision became unanimous amongst the family and trainers that he should not be raced. Belmont Stakes odds were immediately pulled from online sportsbooks.
TRIPLE CROWN BETTING HISTORY
Only 11 horses have won the prestigious Triple Crown and it’s been 34 years since Affirmed took the honors as the third horse in the 70’s to accomplish the feat. That’s the longest drought in Triple Crown history and as the clear favorite, it seemed like I’ll Have Another was a likely candidate to snap the streak.
At the Kentucky Derby, I’ll Have Another went from +1424 to +1200 at the 19 post and then become the first horse from that position to win the Run for the Roses. It was his third win of the season and Preakness odds took an expected nosedive down to +225.
After another win at Pimlico, I’ll Have Another became the eighth horse since 1997 to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown but all were denied a chance at horse racing history. Silver Charm (1997), Real Quiet (1998), Charismatic (1999), War Emblem (2002), Funny Cide (2003), Smarty Jones (2004) and Big Brown (2008) missed the mark, some by just a few lengths.
NEAR MISSES AT BELMONT
I’ll Have Another joins a long list of horses had a shot at winning the Triple Crown after taking the Kentucky Derby and Preakness
1979, Spectacular Bid, 3rd
1981, Pleasant Colony, 3rd
1987, Alysheba, 4th
1989, Sunday Silence, 2nd
1997, Silver Charm, 2nd
1998, Real Quiet, 2nd
1999, Charismatic, 3rd
2002, War Emblem, 8th
2003, Funny Cide, 3rd
2004, Smarty Jones, 2nd
2008, Big Brown, DNF
2012, I’ll Have Another, Scratched
For updated Belmont Stakes matchups, visit Pinnacle Sports