Hi all!

Well, the moment is here, its time to see if Big Brown can take the Triple Crown!!    So, that means that this week's feature is none other than the 140th running of the Belmont Stakes!  This is Race 11, set for a mile and a half on the dirt, with a one million dollar purse!

Let's take a look at the field:

Big Brown  (KY)  2/5

Guadalcanal  (FL)  50/1

Macho Again  (FL)  20/1

Denis of Cork  (FL)  12/1

Casino Drive  (KY)  7/2

Da'Tara  (KY)  30/1

Tale of Ekati  (KY)  20/1

Anak Nakal  (KY)  30/1

Ready's Echo  (KY)  30/1

Icabad Crane  (NY)  20/1

Okay, as many of you already know, if there's any horse that can beat Big Brown, its going to be Casino Drive!  Casino Drive is undefeated in his first and only two starts, and he won his first race by 11!  He defeated a good Peter Pan field at Belmont two weeks ago to win by 5.  Another reason why I've got him over Big Brown is because of his bloodline.  He's a half brother to both Rags to Riches and (2006 winner)Jazil.   So this means that he has the ability to run the long mile and a half here.  I predict Casino Drive stalks the pace, then will come on home at just the right moment.

Ready's Echo is my choice to run second.  He went up against 'Casino' in the Peter Pan and ran a strong third under the same jockey.  So, I feel a little rivalry brewing between these two horses, so Ready's Echo will "bring it" to try and beat 'Casino', so that's why I have him running second.  Plus, he's a closer, and that's the kind of elements that a horse needs to get in the money for a long race.

And of course, we can't leave Big Brown out!  I foresee him running third here.  Big Brown has a very impressive resume, and its very hard not to put him on top, especially for history's sake, but I just think that with some of the other closers in the field, and the fact that Casino Drive's pedigree is what it is, he'll be lucky to win.  Plus the quarter-crack might play a little role in his running style.  Finally, I've stuck him third because of the one-hole.  He likes outter-slots; the one-hole might cause him to set the pace, thus forcing himself to "run himself out" (of gas) too early.

And for the fun of it, let's throw Guadalcanal in as a major longshot.  Why?  Because he's the only horse that's gone the mile and a half, and although it was on the turf, he ran second, so the way I see it, it might not hurt to put $2 across on him.   

Well, I'm very psyched and excited for this race, and I'm really hoping that Big Brown doesn't let the nation down and wins this race for the Triple Crown and most likely Horse of the Year honors!  So, until next week, best of luck to you and your picks, and enjoy this fabulous race we have upcoming!! 

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