Unfortunately for horse racing fans the Triple Crown will not be on the line next weekend at Belmont Park; however, $1 million in prize money will be as Shackleford and Animal Kingdom compete against nine other contenders in the longest race of the Triple Crown series. The latest Sports Betting Odds are predicting greatness for another horse at the 2011 Belmont Stakes, though. Nehro, the second place finisher at the Kentucky Derby, is listed as a 4 to 1 favorite to emerge victorious in the "Test of the Champions".
Nehro has not recorded a single victory 
since breaking his maiden in late February, but the colt boasts an impressive resume nonetheless. The Mineshaft sired horse took second at the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby before going on to place second in both the Florida and Kentucky Derbies.
Trainer Steve Asmussen elected not to run Nehro in the Preakness Stakes, instead giving the colt a much deserved break after a grueling Derby Trail schedule. Asmussen probably figured, given Nehro's wonderful distance pedigree, that the animal was better suited for the 1 1/2 miles Belmont anyway.
Nehro's grand sire, A.P. Indy, won the 1992 Belmont Stakes with a time of 2:26.13, a result no horse has bested since. A.P. Indy was sired by a notable stallion as well, 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew.
Nehro will have plenty of competition, though, especially in Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom. The colt proved at Churchill Downs and Pimlico to be a strong late mover with plenty of stamina.
Shackleford, despite a near wire to wire win at the Preakness, may pose less risk to Nehro. The Forestry sired colt faded to fourth after leading most of the Derby and it nearly got reeled in by Animal Kingdom at the shorter Preakness Stakes. The distance of the Belmont may force trainer Dale Romans to adopt a different race strategy if he hopes to see Shackleford keep Nehro and Animal Kingdom at bay next weekend.
The 140th running of the Belmont Stakes is scheduled to get underway at 5p.m. ET on Saturday, June 11th; it will be televised live on ABC.
Nehro +400
Animal Kingdom +500
Shackleford +600
Master of Hounds +1000
Mucho Macho Man +1400
Brilliant Speed +2000
Stay Thirsty +2000
Harlan's Hello +2000
Santiva +2500
Isn't He Perfect +2500
Monzon +3000
Ruler On Ice +3000
Jaycito +3500
