Big Brown Favored to win the Belmont Stakes

[Qbins Missile Crisis]

Belmont: Big Brown’s foot a concern

Big Brown is an early 1:3 favorite to win the Belmont Stakes at Sportsbook.com, but some recent injury news has the entire racing world holding its breath.



A quarter crack in the wall of Big Brown’s hoof was discovered last Friday, potentially hurting his chances to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

"We didn't know until Saturday that it was a quarter crack," said trainer Rick Dutrow. "It scares us this happened, but this has nothing to do with his ability to finish what he started. He's been as aggressive as I've seen him. He's really been rank in the afternoon."

The good news is that Big Brown is said to be in no pain and should be back on the track for Thursday as he prepares for the June 7th race.

"If the Belmont Stakes were today, the horse would go out and kick butt. It would not bother him," Dutrow added. "I'm not worried that the days of training he'll miss will have any effect on him. We're addressing it, and he'll be fine. We're all concerned, but Ian (horse specialist) has got us pretty well relaxed."

The one thing the injury has done is caused a lot of bettors to re-examine the chances of Casino Drive at 5:2. He is the clear-cut second favorite in the Belmont after running just two races. The first was in Kyoto, Japan on February 23rd, and he was victorious by 11 ½-lenghts.

The second race was at the May 10th Grade II Peter Pan Stakes and he won by over five lengths. Casino Drive was ridden by Kent Desormeaux in that race. Ironically, Desormeaux will be Big Brown’s jockey for the Belmont but he did have some interesting comments about Casino Drive.

“Yeah, he can run a lot. It’s going to be fun,” Desormeaux said. “He’s a phenomenal talent, and we’ve got our hands full with this one. It’s going to be ultimately exciting for all of the fans. He’s got that stride.”

If you’re looking to take the field against Big Brown, consider the fact that he’s +200 odds to lose this race.

Remember, it was just four years ago that Smarty Jones attracted the attention of a nation by winning the Kentucky Derby and then taking the Preakness by 11 ½ lengths. Smarty Jones was a heavy 2:5 favorite to win the Belmont, but he came in second to a 36:1 longshot in Birdstone, and the Triple Crown jinx stayed intact.

That just proves that nothing is a given in this sport, injury or no injury. The only thing for sure is that the Belmont is going to be packed full of excitement and a great day of wagering.

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