Bodemeister, Paynter and Union Rags: A Rivalry?

With the curtains drawn on the brief but bright racing career of I'll Have Another, the late 3 year old season is marred by questions. Who, if anyone, can play the role of 3 year old champ? Will one colt break through as a clear-cut hero -- or will the Eclipse honors fall to the chestnut victor of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness? In order to steal the role of 3 year old champion, one horse must win all of the big, late-year races. 

An emerging talent wouldn't make the cut. To be acknowledged at higher status than a 2 time classic winner, the horse in question must have previously shined as some sort of early star. That rules out nearly all the crop as potential thieves of 'Another's prize. Three colts, however, remain in contention. Bodemeister (second in both the Derby and Preakness), Paynter (second in the Belmont), and Union Rags (Belmont winner).

Union Rags (far right) reaches out to snatch the Belmont

There's a big possibility of seeing these three match up in later races. Bodemeister is being pointed toward the Haskell Invitational (July 29, Monmouth Park), and Paynter is being lined up for the Jim Dandy (July 28, Saratoga). Micheal Matz has named Union Rags a possibility for either race, with the ultimate goal being the Travers Stakes (August 25, Saratoga). 

It will be extremely interesting to observe the result of late-season 2012. If Union Rags, Paynter and Bodemeister are to have a match-up, the result may be something out of this world. All three colts are proven fighters, and it's scary to think that we may be yet to see the best of late-developing Paynter. Bodemeister did appear to tire near the end of the Kentucky Derby, but with a different running style - or at shorter distances - he could blow fields apart. Union Rags displayed grit and bravery in his rail-riding surge at Belmont Park; many speculate how much faster the race could've been had he drawn an outside post position, and not have had to sit and wait.

Who's the best of the three horses? My own money is on Union Rags, who I believe to have always been the best of the crop. Who do you like? Leave a comment and tell me!