Master of Hounds Odds to Win 2011 Belmont Stakes

Master of Hounds odds to win the 2011 Belmont Stakes came in at 7/1 with a payout potential of $700 for every $100 bet. 

With both the Kentucky Derby winner, Animal Kingdom, and Preakness Stakes winner, Shackleford, drawing poor post positions, Master of Hounds is drawing plenty of attention from Belmont Stakes bettors.  His post position, historically, has been one of the best when it comes to victories.

But does Master of Hounds have what it takes to win?

The key is the length of the track.

"Most of our horses are trained for a mile and a half," Training assistant T. J. Comerford told the New York Post.  "We could have run this horse in the Irish 2000 Guineas and won it, but he has been trained for [Belmont] all along.

"He looks better now than he ever has," he added. "We're here for a reason, and because we think he has a good chance."

For the skeptics, Comerford suggested they take a close look at the finish of the Kentucky Derby.

"Can you tell me," he said, "where Master of Hounds would have finished in the Derby if they had to go another two and a half furlongs? Down the straight [stretch] he was in and out, in and out, and he passed four horses. Where would he have been two and a half furlongs later?

"He finished faster than any horse in the race."

BELMONT STAKES FUTURES -  (1 OPEN EVENT)

- Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com