It has been a problem that has plagued the final leg of the Triple Crown for the better part of the past couple of decades, somewhat of a stain on what is regarded as one of the premiere races of the horse racing season. It will get a ton of attention again this year without the potential for a Triple Crown winner once again after Shackleford narrowly beat out Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom at the Preakness Stakes to make sure that 1978’s Affirmed would remain the last horse to complete the prestigious sweep. However, there will be some added intrigue to the 2011 Belmont Stakes betting race with the fact that both winners are expected to run against one another in New York in what could be considered the deciding run that will determine which horse had the better overall season.The potential rivalry race between Animal Kingdom and Shackleford would be interesting for several reasons, with the obvious one being the finishes that each horse has registered through the first two legs of the 2011 Triple Crown. Animal Kingdom came out of nowhere as a long shot to win the Kentucky Derby way ahead of the heavily favored Dialed In, and then nearly pulled off an incredible comeback at the Preakness Stakes when it emerged from the middle of the online sports betting pack to finish second by a half-length. The winner of that race was Shackleford which managed to barely hold on, but it could have a tougher time at the 1 ½ mile Belmont Park. The Preakness winner finished fourth at the Derby also behind Nehro and Mucho Macho Man, both expected to also compete in the early June race. Both in terms of breeding and prestige this final leg will mean a lot to both horses, and then there is the prize money that will go to the owner that finishes the pay per head race first. If that wasn’t enough incentive for these two horses when they clash against one another, then consider that the Eclipse Award has always gone to the horse that won the Preakness, as well as the Horse of the Year award for three-year olds on three separate occasions. If Animal Kingdom can win the Belmont it will surely spoil that streak.
While the battle on the track between Animal Kingdom and Shackleford won’t have the prestige of the memorable rivalry between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta off of the track, the buzz that the idea creates will establish a sense of anticipation for the Belmont Stakes. With the Breeder’s Cup Classic also in the fold later on in the MLB betting summer, there will be a ton of races to watch and the rivalry could be something to follow that will attract more casual fans to pay attention. There is plenty incentive there for the owners and a ton of money on the line, which is why despite the fact that there will be no Triple Crown winner in 2011 there will still be a ton of excitement.
