The 2012 Belmont Stakes would not produce a Triple Crown winner after I’ll Have Another’s late scratch, but the longest race of the Triple Crown series did manufacture plenty of excitement. Hall of fame trainer Bob Baffert appeared as though he would win his first ever Belmont Stakes race with Paynter (a 7-2 Horse Racing Odds bet), but a late comeback by Union Rags spoiled the colts’ bid and secured a second Triple Crown series victory for trainer Michael Matz (Barbaro -2006 Kentucky Derby). Union Rags triumph resulted in a payout of $7.50 for every $2.00 wagered on a win ($4.20 place, $3.40 show). Paynter returned $5.10 on a place wager and $3.90 on a show. Third pace finisher, Atigun, returned $10.60 on a show wager.
Union Rags went into the 2012 Kentucky Derby as one of the favorites to win the Run for the Roses, but the colt, a product of Dixie Union and Tempo, finished a disappointing seventh. Given that result, the horse’s handlers elected not to run at the Preakness Stakes, instead saving Union Rags for a potential winning turn at the longer 1 1/2 miles Belmont.
Union Rags did not disappoint, sneaking in by the rail near the finish to deny Baffert, jockey Mike Smith, and owner Zayat Stables of what looked to be a certain Belmont victory. The win represented jockey John Velasquez’ third Triple Crown Series title and his second Belmont Stakes win. Velasquez guided Animal Kingdom to first place at last year’s Kentucky Derby and he also rode filly Rags to Riches to the winner’s circle at the 2007 Belmont Stakes.
Dullahan, who became a 9-5 favorite to win the Belmont after I’ll Have Another was forced to bow out, finished out of the money with seventh place run. Another favorite, Street Life, took fourth after starting the race on the rail.
2012 Belmont Stakes Results:
Union Rags (Post 3) $7.50, $4.20, $3.40
Paynter (Post 9) $5.10, $3.90
Atigun (Post 4) $10.60
Street Life (Post 1)
Five Sixteen (Post 7)
Unstoppable U (Post 2)
Dullahan (Post 5)
My Adonis (Post 12)
Ravelo’s Boy (Post 6)
Optimizer (Post 10)
Guyana Star Dweej (Post 8)
