Dullahan made the favorite with 9-5 odds for Belmont Stakes

NEW YORK (AP) -- All along, Dale Romans said he had the horse to beat in the Belmont Stakes.

Now he does.

Dullahan was made the new 9-5 favorite for Saturday's Belmont after I'll Have Another was retired with a tendon injury a day before his attempt to become the first Triple Crown winner in 34 years. Union Rags is the 3-1 second choice in a field of 11 3-year-olds.

Romans said he thought this "was going to be one of the greatest races in history, and I was wanting to be part of it." Now he says he has a "better opportunity."

Dullahan is well rested for the 1 1/2-mile Belmont. After winning the Blue Grass in April, the chestnut colt finished third in the Kentucky Derby, beaten by just 1 3/4 lengths by I'll Have Another.