Belmont Stakes Betting: Rested Nehro Ready To Challenge Other Favorites

As is the case in any sport, it is the job of the online sports betting media to find the biggest storyline and run with it to provide fans with the most insight and information. That is why in the immediate aftermath of the Preakness Stakes a flood of stories and information came out as to the potential rivalry rematch between the two horses that have established themselves as the top three-year olds so far this season in advance of the 2011 Belmont Stakes race. That is where Preakness winner Shackleford and Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom will line up for one more shot to earn the title of Horse of the Year. However, there may be one other key contender that has been overlooked so far in Nehro, which is expected to run after missing the Preakness at his trainer’s decision. With all eyes on Animal Kingdom and Shackleford, it could be Nehro that surprises everybody.

A quick look at the 2011 Belmont Stakes betting odds tell that story with Nehro listed as the 4-1 favorite right alongside the winners from the first two legs of the Triple Crown according to most observers.

That is not in spite of that Nehro didn’t run at the Preakness, but because of it since that horse got the extra rest that it would have needed after looking impressive with a second-place finish at Kentucky. Considering that the Belmont is longer than each of the first two legs of the Triple Crown, that rest will serve Nehro well especially after the other top contenders will need to recover from the fatigue of their wins. Nehro is capable of running the 1 ½ mile marathon, and could very well have the stamina that Animal Kingdom and Shackleford don’t to finish strong.

Steve Asmussen made the pay per head decision to hold his horse out of the Preakness with the obvious knowledge that the rest would serve him well, with every intention being to prepare for the Belmont knowing that Animal Kingdom would move on to chase the Triple Crown. Owner Ahmed Zayat had battled with the decision at the time because of how good Nehro looked in workouts after Kentucky, but ultimately felt that Belmont would provide more opportunity, especially considering that Nehro had already finished second at both the Louisiana Derby and Arkansas Derby.

There will be a couple of other familiar faces in Mucho Macho Man and Dialed In, notable entries that could be a threat to show behind the favorites, but in the end this Belmont betting race will likely come down to the big three battling it out at the front. Animal Kingdom and Shackleford will take the spotlight after their finishes through the first two legs, but it may very well be Nehro that surprises in the Triple Crown finale with the freshest legs and having already proved that it can run the marathon distance and the legendary Belmont Park in New York.