I'll Have Another draws 11 post for Belmont Stakes

The silver Belmont Stakes trophy was five feet away from the table of I'll Have Another's owner and trainer at yesterday's draw.

So near, but still so far away -- 11/2 miles, to be exact.

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner drew postNo. 11 in a field of 12 for Saturday's 144th Belmont Stakes. He was installed as the 4-5 morning-line favorite and will be the betting choice for the first time in his eight-race career. His most dangerous opponents -- on paper, anyway -- are Dullahan (No. 5, 5-1), Union Rags (No. 3, 6-1) and Paynter (No. 9, 8-1).

Besides the top four, only Street Life (on the rail, 12-1) is rated below 20-1.

Paynter, ridden by Mike Smith, looks like the controlling speed, and Unstoppable U also has early zip. I'll Have Another's trainer, Doug O'Neill, was pleased his colt and his jockey, Mario Gutierrez, drew outside Paynter.

Post positions are rarely significant in 11/2-mile races, and no one lamented or exulted over the luck of the draw. O'Neill is confident his colt can become the 12th Triple Crown hero.

"It's been an incredible ride," O'Neill said, "and it's all thanks to the great I'll Have Another."