2012 Belmont Stakes: Potential Entries

The final make-up of the 2012 Belmont Stakes will likely change over the next three weeks but we already have an idea on which horses may be in the gate on June 9th, according to industry reports. We already know I'll Have Another will be at Big Sandy as he looks to end over 30 years of Triple Crown misery. Joining him will be a combination of new shooters, Preakness horses, and horses that ran in the Derby but skipped the race in Baltimore.

Bodemeister is already out, as Bob Baffert is ready to give his colt a bit of a rest after running huge races in every start of 2012. If he stays sound, he'll be a force to be reckoned with this summer and fall as we roll towards the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park.

Most recent reports suggest Creative Cause, 5th in the Derby and 3rd in the Preakness, is a 50/50 proposition to go to Belmont. I'm guessing they skip it and also take some time off and prepare for the summer races in SoCal.

It's "doubtful" that Mark Valeski will go to the Belmont, according to trainer Larry Jones, but it's still a possibility. If he doesn't go to the Belmont, he'll likely be pointed towards the Dwyer.

Below is a look at the horses that are in consideration for the Belmont Stakes on June 9th: