Jason-- was waiting for you to hit this antidote for both BB and Casino Drive (who I think is ready to bounce big time following that super Peter Pan effort, and with all due respect to all connections, to include Edgar Prado being awarded the mount).

Yes, "Mischievous Child" as translated from the Arabic, is going to have to step up big for Nick Zito, but as you cogently point out, Anak Nakal claims 1998 Belmont Stakes winner Victory Gallop as his Sire, so who's to say he cannot navigate the distance? His pedigree claim for being able to do so at least as compelling as Casino Drive's and the oft-cited connection of his dam, Better Than Honour, giving us the last two Belmont winners in Rags to Riches (by A.P.Indy)and Jazil (by Seeking the Gold), yes? Only wish Tale of Ekati working better for Barclay Tagg, so I could place this Japanese-connected horse in the mix (his dam being Japan-bred Silence Beauty), but you and others on this blog are going to have to work to get me there.

Bottom Line: if your Anak Nakal bandwagon needs a push, count my shoulder in.

I must admit I got a shiver of dread when you pointed out the Anak Nakal is the son of Victory Gallop.  However, Anak Nakal is not Victory Gallop.  And Jazil and Rags to Riches are not running in the Belmont this year.  Big Brown was born in the right year to take the Crown.

I like both Anak Nakal and Casino Drive for this race....

Should be very interesting.

Been following Anak all spring.Wish he had run better, think his best race is his next race. 50-1 looks like a fair price and I'll take it.

This is getting better by the moment: Better Than Honour going for 3 in a row? The similiarities of Anak Nakal to Birdstone? then oh yeah Prado's going to ride Casino Drive, oh man this is great drama!!!!

Anything can happen in a mile and ahalf race and Anak Nakal has crossed my mind due to his breeding but I still like the way that Denis of Cork finished in the Derby so I believe he could come from behind and upset Big Brown and Casino Drive.

draynay starting to sound like larry holmes

Big Brown/Anak Nakal/Denis of Cork/Tale of Ekati.in that order

Wow, some of you Big Brown supporters are getting vicious, listen, that's why it's called horseracing, a true bettor is always looking for the possiblity of either something better winning or a longshot upsetting. Question, the time that Big Brown ran in the Derby where does it rank, same goes for the Preakness, just asking as I can't recall what his final times at the wire were.

Come on guys.. this is the weakest field of 3 year olds I have ever seen.  Big Brown will take it unless his big feet are hurting.  The race to watch for is the Curlin Big Brown match, that will be the race of a lifetime to see.  

JUST MAYBE WE'VE GOT ANOTHER "LEMON DROP KID" LURKING....I'VE BEEN AROUND LONG ENOUGH TO KNOW THAT ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IN HORSE RACING.

Translated from Arabic, Nick Zito's "Mischievous Child", a.k.a. Anak Nakal, both by dent of breeding and pre-race prep, looks as Jason suggests: poised to run big (and long) come June 7th. Conversely, Casino Drive, the fresh out of quarantine and lighly raced horse who looked so impressive in winning the Peter Pan, seems ready to play the role of flash-in-the-pan in his next start and bounce, perhaps even dramatically-- those unofficially recorded, or were they offically slow (?) workout times the other day could have been clocked with a sun dial. I really want to get excited about "the other" Japan-connected horse in the field, Barclay Tagg's Tale of Ekati (the first-raced out of Japan-bred Silence Beauty, a daughter of Sunday Silence), but unless that scheduled breeze come this weekend looks sharp, then I think Mr. Tagg will be left to scratch his head and contemplate what could have been. I mean, which horse is going to show up: the one who clocked a nice 46.84 for 4 furlongs on May 20th, or the horse who six days later struggled to get 6 furlongs done in under a minute 19?

I don't care who wins. I want the optimium straight bet or exotic to make some bucks.

This being said, I will watch the Belmont Stakes but my money will be bet elsewhere.

these are the 3 horses THAT "I" think will not win the Belmont--Behindatthe bar,Denis of Cork,and Macho Again. do any of you think Taqle of Ekati has a chance?

I will play tne Exacta BIG BROWN - CASINO DRIVE in that orden , expecting no more than 6 dls for $2 dls bet. $2000 invest will make $4000 dls net profits.The rest has no chance at all, only for third place. If a match is set between BIG BROWN and CURLIN , no doubht CURLIN will be the winner easily, more mature and by speed rating numbers . BIG BROWN has run against nobody . This CASINO DRIVE is the only good challenger he will ever face , but with 2 races in other time it would be FUN to believe he could win without experience , in such distance and against a MONSTER. no kidding me , MAN .EIGHT BELLES was a female champ.    

draynay, remember this is horse racing.  Even horses like Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, War Admiral, etc. got beat.  Now granted, they lost to better horses than what Big Brown will face in the Belmont, but still anything can happen.  Of course Big Brown should win the race.  However, I do remember thinking the same thing 4 years ago with Smarty Jones.  I remember thinking all he has to do is break clean from the gate and he walks home a triple crown winner.  The only problem is that someone forgot to tell that to Zito and Birdstone.  I will bet Anak Nakal and Denis of Cork with Big Brown in the Belmont.  Big Brown might get beat.  I know it's a longshot and maybe Anak Nakal can beat him at 50-1 or so.  By the way, the horse doesn't know he's 50-1 so I'm not throwing him out just yet.  I want to see a Triple Crown winner and honestly hope Big Brown pulls it off, but I also know I'm not just a horse racing fan.  I'm also a gambler so I will act as such.  

draynay,pay up,you smarmy malcontent!..lol..I'm back. Boom,outta' here!

I have no doubts that BB will win, but I will be turning the broadcast off the minute it happens, Triple Crown and possible pick 4 hit notwithstanding. His trainer and connections are liars to say the least, and although I never harbor anamosity toward the horse or jockey this would be one of the least satisfying Triple Crown scores in the history of the sport.

I suggest everyone read more about this unsavory ownership group at the following link (we all know too well the history of the cheater Richard Dutrow):

www.nytimes.com/.../29owner.html

I think Desormeaux was right.  It's a cold exacta.  Big Brown, first, Casino Drive, second.  Take your pick, third.  Surely the exacta will pay at least $4.  Where else can you double your money in two minutes?  Why go for a price or an upset when history is being made?

I'm also an Anak Nakal fan, and I like to see Zito win at Belmont. I'll put him 3rd (or 4th) at the finish.

Can't see Big Brown getting beat. His feet are a concern so I'll stay out of the betting. The only play I would have considered was a pick 4 anyway. Won't see the 30-1 finishers underneath like in the Preakness so I don't see a decent Superfecta payoff on the plate. Sit back, enjoy, and watch history

being made. If the foot issues catch up to him at least you won't be burning cash for the chance of a small payoff.

I see Casino Drive's connections did the wise thing and chose a proven Belmont rider as I predicted they should. I like Anak Nakal to make it a race in the Belmont, the thing is can 'BB' or 'splotchy' (in a salute to all the media types who gave Fusiachi Pegasus his silly nickname, to which trainer Drysdale understandably loathed) as I like to call him, and his hoof handle the 1 1/2 miles? Only time, distance and perhaps Anak Nakal will tell. How Ironic would it be to see Desormeaux upset again for the triple crown by a son of the horse that denied his bid last time; to make it worse by the same margin?! The Belmont is definitely the Acid test and I have seen too many 'can't miss' horses built up so much that it's like a death in the family when they lose. I'm going to reserve judgement on 'splotchy' until he proves it. After all, the Belmont is a breeders race. It's a shame racing secretaries don't write more 1 1/2 mile races in America, or at least stakes races. I think 'Splotchy' will either win running off the screen, or get pulled up due to soreness in his feet. I can't forsee any long stretch duel with 'splotchy' I don't see any in between the way he's dominated every horse so far.  

Fantastic insight. I'm inclined to agree that Anak Nakal may be the sleeper threat over the long haul.

What was the time ??? Julie ... is that what you said... what was the time ?  Who cares ?  Big Brown is not racing against a clock he is racing against other horses that have not come close to him... he is winning EVERY race by 5 or more lengths and you bring up time ??? You have to be kidding.

Julie: Here are BB opening quarters in this years derby. 23.30/46.26 breaking from post 20. If you compare with Street Sense from last year, his opening quarters were 22.96/46.26 on the rail. BB's finishing time 2:01,Street Sense 2:02. BB broke from the 20 post which puts him covering quite a bit more track than a horse on the rail or close to the rail. Barbaros time in the derby 2:01.36. BB came home in the preakness in 19.08 which is considered one of the fastest closing times in Preakness history. He was also under a hand ride and being pulled in before he hit the wire as well as running into a strong head wind. I think it is safe to say that he would have been game with other derby winners. The fact that his competition is no where in sight at the end of the race makes people feel he hasn't been challenged.

A lot of people say everyone is jumping on the BB bandwagon. My comment to that is so what? Why wouldn't we jump on his bandwagon? He has been exciting to watch and we have another chance at a triple crown. We are horse racing fans. This is what gets us excited. We are aware that the Belmont is a different animal and anything can happen but it doesn't change the fact that we believe in what BB has done so far and are looking forward to seeing if he can sweep all three races. Trainer, connections, retirement aside, who wouldn't want to cheer for the big brown horse? GO BIG BROWN!

draynay,weren't you the one touting BB's splits & final times leading up to the Derby?yup!..now they don't matter?.guess you finally realized that he's been beating a sorry crop of 3y.o's huh?Like i said before,he's talented,but has had an easy/lucky path to get to where he's at right now..Yes he's whipped these horses before,but as I mentioned 2 days after the Derby,Casino Drive is waiting for him at Belmont Park!..Shoot,if BB can win the Derby in only his 4th start,who says Casino Drive cant win the Belmont in his 3rd?..after easily winning his debut in Japan,shipping ALL the way to New York and Whipping the Peter Pan field,shows he has alot of Class..and dont worry about his recent "work",which was more of a gallop,he was too agressive so they practically galloped him....be Afraid,be very,very Afraid!

To Draynay that wasn't what I said it was what I asked and yes times do matter in a horse race, if you are calling him the greatest than back it up with how his times and I'm talking at the finish line compare to Secretariat's, Affirmed's, Seattle Slew and yeah even Sham who I believe ran the second fastest Derby time while coming in second, time shows just how fast an animal is going and then judged against those he is running against and those that ran in the past. Don't get smart with me, just how old are you and have some respect for others, sounds to me like you still have alot of growing to do. And I am not ashamed to say I will be 50 in June. Show respect to others.

Sham ??? the horse only won 5 out of 13 races and never raced after Belmont.  Secretariat lost 5 times in 21 races and lost after the Belmont to Onion !!! Onion looked him in the eye in deep stretch and then left him in the dust. Its not about respect Julie its about you not knowing what you are talking about. Horses like Big Brown and Native Dancer show up every time and win every time.  Maybe Secretariat is tops on your list but that to me is just plain nuts. Explain why you would put Secretariat ahead of a horse that accomplished everything he did and more including undefeated at 4. Secretariat didn't even race after 3 and was less than dominating after the Triple Crown races...just ask some horse called Onion. By the way Big Brown will face more horses on his way to the Triple Crown than any other Triple Crown winner in history.

Jeff-- thanks for the link to the NY Times article on IEAH's unprincipled principal officer Michael Iavarone-- it's a real comfort to know the probable cast of characters in the Belmont winner's circle certainly deserve each other. The photo op of Dutrow and Ivarone  has got to be among NTRA's worse nightmares come true. BB's breeder, Dr. Gary Knapp, and his Monticule breeding operation seem to be on the up and up, but then again, he came out of the mortgage-backed securities business. As an apparently gifted statistican, I wonder if Dr. Knapp has calculated the odds of Dutrow and Iavarone finding each other in the t-bred horse universe? Some match, regardless.

On a seemingly more serious note, I do hope the decision made to enter Spark Candle as a rabbit for co-stablemate Casino Drive. A little pace might be nice, and if nothing else, maybe give Kent D. something to think about, other than the order he will spin out his media sound bites after the race?

Slew do me a favor and bet everything you got on Casino Drive to win.  Because the only way he hits the board is if he jumps the rail. They galloped him genius because the horse is still sore.  Are you new to this?

Casino Drive cannot win the Belmont in his third start because he is facing the G1 Florida Derby winner, the G1 Kentucky Derby winner, and the G1 Preakness Stakes winner... let me know after the race how you did with those Casino Drive win tickets.

Draynay,wow you amaze me, I've been following horseracing way too long to let your little comments upset me in fact it made me laugh. First of all Secretariat wasn't the greatest and yes he did get beat I agree with you on that but if you are going to talk about how many times Sham ran or Secretariat who is not my favorite or any other great horse that ran and lost you had better take a look at the amount of times that they raced and stack it next to Big Brown, that is what we are all talking about he as only run 5 times and on that you judge greatness. Man O' War won 20 of 21 races, Native won 20 of 21 races, those were great horses and if it wasn't for Man O' War bowing a tendon and his owner being concerned about the high imposts he would have carried since he had aleady touted 132 lbs., he could have gone on and unfortunately Native Dancer was injuried as well. Start stacking him up against those and the greats like Seabiscuit, Native Diver, Kelso, Forego, John Henry. Why do you feel that you have to proclaim him "super" before he has even shown just how good he could be, you are beginning to sound a bit like his trainer. If he wins more power to him but some people may through the years question if who he beat was all that great. Maybe Casino Drive can give him the challenge he needs, or he may have to actually run against a really great horse like Curlin to prove himself.

Oh and for your information Draynay, Sham's record is 5-5-1 from 13 starts, that ain't shabby!

Good Lord!! I am so sick of Dutrow and his arrogance. Now he is saying that Big Brown winning the Belmont is a "foregone conclusion" and that none of the other contenders can run with him. I like Big Brown, but I am really beginning to hope the horse's connections have to eat some humble pie. It might do them so good, to get a reality check. My liking for Casino Drive is getting stronger by the day.

Start stacking him up? Lol... start with this...he is perfect..undefeated and perfect and soon a Triple Crown winner.  Who do you want him to race? Who poses a challenge ...Curlin ok. that is a challenge but who else?

If you have been watching racing as long as me then maybe you would have seen what I have seen long ago.  I told everyone how special this horse is from the start. Each race he gets better and unlike those others you mentioned he shows up every time.. and wins by 5 or more EVERY time.  When he wins the Belmont he will achieve something Secretariat never did....6 wins in a row.

Draynay,

Secretariat should not have run that race against onion because he had a huge abscess in his mouth and I do believe he lost 4 times not 5.  He lost his first race after being crushed from both sides out of the gate and I do believe another loss was due to disqualification. He never won after the triple crown? What about his race at Woodbine winning by 20 lengths. When was the last ime a horse won the Belmont by 31 lengths?  When was the last time a horse won the Belmont in 2:24 or the Derby in 1:592/5?  It hasn't been done since Secretariat who, by the way, while running his Belmont ran the first six furlongs in world record time. He carried his speed for a mile and a half. He was one of the greatest horses to ever run and BB has a lot of running to do to even come close to that or to Spectacular Bid.  BB won't even race past the Belmont.  How do you compare 6 races to 21 or 23 and against some of the best horses around?  

Karen,

You are certainly entitled to your opinion and I have seen several posts by you that are absolutely angry because someone disagrees with you. I say so what to that! Why do you care?  You have a tremendous passion for this horse and that's great but there will always be someone who won't see it the way you do. I'm happy you love this horse and horse racing this much.  We need more people like you to keep this sport going but don't waste your passion arguing with people who won't change their mind anyway.  Everyone has their opinion and they are entitled to it.  I cannot believe some of the remarks people have made because their opinions differ from someone else's.  That's what makes life interesting!  Different views!  Julie has been around a long time, just as I have and I agree with her.  I absolutely believe that BB is the best 3 year old without exception but he has to run against better competition in my book and that's not going to happen because I do feel his last race will be June 7.  Enjoy it and I will be watching it to see if history is made and I will think of you if he wins and be really happy for because you will be 3 feet off the ground!

Liz,

I'm with you.  Rick Dutrow has absolutely no class.  If he really thinks his horse is that great, he doesn't have to shoot his mouth off about but just let the horse to his work.  That horse really deserved a different trainer.  I would have loved to see that 76 year old trainer who brought a horse to the derby for the first time and cried when he made it to Churchill.  He deserved a horse like BB not that big mouth.  I'm sorry, it really makes me angry because it is so uncalled for.

Draynay are you sure you are not Dutrow? I don't know for sure where all of your swagger comes from but when he loses are you still going to be as big on this horse? I'm not saying the Belmont but when he loses to Curlin although it would be so nice not only to me but to others that if Big Brown should lose the Belmont to have you eating crow. You really give us no idea of how you have garnered your so called knowledge, I think you are Dutrow just stirring up the pot, he seems to be the only person who brags like you do and the sad thing is he really doesn't bother me that much but your arrogance is getting old. At this point I think I would rather talk with others on this blog who have better things to say.

I'll tell you who has the most class in this whole shebang....Casino Drive's trainer who was asked if he was upset about Big Mouth Dutrow's comments about his horse and his response was..."not at all, he seems to know my horse better than I do".

That, my friends, is class.

Draynay,

How long have you been around racing?

Way to call out Draynay, Julie L.--saying he is starting to sound like BB's trainer. I am sure Draynay both a graduate of the "Dutrow School of Charm" AND the "Iavarone School of Investing", see how he pays his betting debts.

Look, BB a fine horse, isn't that enough of a superlative? As for truly immortal horses, Buckpasser is my guy- 31 career starts, 25-4-1, including 15 in a row until the streak broken when they tried him on turf. Ran and won as a 4YO, after winning 3YO and HofY honors in 1966. While foolish in many respects to try and compare horses running in different generations, fact is Blood-Horse ranks Buckpasser 14th on its top 100 of the 20th century, and he would have undoubtedly finished even higher if his quarter cracks hadn't kept him off the Triple Crown Trail in 1966. Did nicely in the breeding shed as well, and even there his considerable legacy would have undoubtedly been greater if he hadn't dropped dead in the Claiborne Farm breeding shed at the comparatively young age of 15. His conformation was truly perfect, and if he had a "flaw", it was his tendency not to finish-off races, to the point of even allowing horses to pass him, before deciding to run, again, and win at the wire. He trained the same way, too, looking for ways to avoid working, so he almost always had to be accompanied by a stablemate in an effort to push him. Smart horse. Both of his trainers in the Hall of Fame, so they met their match in Buckpasser as well.

Monica, I will agree with you about Secretariat. I don't believe we have seen anything like him since. His times were truly amazing. He was a machine. No doubt about that.  But once again people see the need to compare BB with the greats of the past. Why? Why does he need to be compared. Why can't people enjoy the ride in the here and now. Any true horse racing fan would. We have another chance to win the TC. It hasn't been done in 30 years. It is truly an accomplishment in itself regardless of how many starts a horse has had. I think we have broken the myth that BB doesn't stack up to previous years horses such as Street Sense, Hard Spun or even Curlin. So many are quick to call Curlin "great" but he only has 11 starts. Don't get me wrong, I love Curlin and think he is awesome but please people, give BB some credit. He deserves it. I find Dutrow engaging and a very intersting person. So he has a colorful past and is extremely confident in his horse. So what? Imagine the whirlwind this horse is taking him on. He gets to train BB and take some credit for his accomplishments. Stop being so hard on him. So far he hasn't been wrong.

Draynay: you remind me of Dutrow. I like your confidence and the fact you believe in what BB has accomplished so far. I for one can't be 100% sure BB will conquer the Belmont but at this point, if I were a betting woman, my money would be on the big brown horse. He hasn't done anything wrong yet. BB has nothing more to prove anyways. He has proven he can run. Isn't that what a racehorse does? I love the big guy. I think he is classy and can't wait to watch him run again.

Julie: Something to ponder. Seattle Slew, undoubtedly one of the greatest horses to ever set foot on a track. Finishing Kentucky Derby time 2:01.BB time 2:01. Of course I didn't break it down to 1/100th of a second. One thing to note is that the Slew ran very fast opening fractions. A splintering 21 flat in the first quarter and his half mile at 45 4/5 which is unheard of. He was also breaking from post 4 and had 15 horses in the race. BB broke from post 20. 20 horses in the field. Seattle Slew's Preakness, 1:54, BB's final time 1:54. Slews quarters were sharper than BB however they both won with ease and under a non contested hand ride. I believe the Slew was being eased up at the finish just like BB. BB had a strong head wind, Slew did not. Shams time is not officially taken or documented as back then, non winning times were not taken however it is said he was under two minutes which is something only Secretariat has accomplished.  Northern Dancer was at 2:00 flat and held the record until broken by Secretariat I believe. Northern Dancer being strong on top and bottom in BB pedigree.  

Could BB run with the Slew in today's day and age? One will never know, but I would venture to guess had they met up back in the day, perhaps we would have been looking at another Alyday/Affirmed matching. Based on the only information we have, which is the times and conditions, I would say we would have ourselves a horse race.

Secretariat lost five times--once on a disqualification at the age of two. I, too, have been following racing for years and years. I knew all the Triple Crown winners when I was six--in 1968. My first horse I fell in love with was Majestic Prince. I admit I am a cynic. I have heard so much of the same accolades over the horses who were supposed to be a lock to win the Triple Crown--starting with Majestic Prince, Canonero II, Spectacular Bid, Pleasant Colony, Alysheba, Sunday Silence, Silver Charm, Real Quiet, Charismatic, Smarty Jones, War Emblem, Funny Cide. Each one was labeled as THE special horse who would land the Triple Crown. They all failed for one reason or another--injury, lack of stamina, poor rides, bad racing luck. To think of even comparing Big Brown to Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, or even Spectacular Bid, in my mind probably the one of the best horses not to have won the Triple Crown,(Damascus being another one, )is very premature. Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, Damascus, Buckpasser, Dr. Fager--they were brilliant, possessed of stamina and soundness, and stayed around for a long time. In my opinion, any of these on their worst days would mop the stable floor with Big Brown.

Just a couple of comments on the race.  You can take them or ignore them as you choose.  First, here are my picks-

1. Big Brown

2. Casino Drive

3. Icabad crane

Not many people have mentioned Icabad Crane in their discussions of Belmont horses, but I thought that his Preakness run was more impressive than others thought.  First off, he closed from WAY back (dead last, about 11 1/4 lengths off the pace) to just miss second, where as Macho Again closed from 6th (7 1/2 lengths back) to beat him by 1/2 length.  Also, while his sire is mainly a sire of sprinters, his grandsire is AP Indy, and his damsire is Rahy, who's sire is Blushing Groom.  Icabad Crane's dam's dam is Adorable Micol, who's son Adcat was 2nd in a Gr. 3 at 1 1/2 miles, and 3rd in another Gr. 3 at 1 3/8 miles.  

Janesville liz: Interestiing you should mention Damascus. Big browns great grand daddy. And inbred to him on his Damn's side as well. Damascus had stamina and was known for his crushing finishes. Maybe a little bit of Damascus in the big brown horse? To say that these horses would mop the stable floor with BB even on their worst day is a bit of a stretch and an uneducated opinion. From one horse racing fan to another, what exactly is it you don't like about BB? It would be interesting to see the facts in which you are basing your opinions as well. My guess would be Dutrow makes your skin crawl so you are penalizing BB. Perhaps you don't want to get your hopes up just to be let down, as in the past non triple crown winners. That is part of the game and part of the ride. Enjoy it. Take a good hard look at BB and his accomplishments thus far. Take a good look at just the horse, all other issues put aside. As a horseracing enthusiast and horse lover, what is there not to like about this big guy? He is spot on, everytime. He has a beautiful mind and physically, he is a sight to see.

Chase: you make some great points about Icabod Crane. He may be sitting on a big race. He definately has a note worthy pedigree.

Chase-- you are correct on all counts with HG Motion's Icabad Crane-- he will be full of run at the end. Had a hard time selling Jason to him before the Preakness, his win in the Tesio over the same surface notwithstanding. Maybe it was because I missed so badly with Adriano, another HG Motion charge, in the Derby (finishing 19th after a rough trip, courtesy of Gayego).

Think you will be very disappointed with Casino Drive-- yes, a nice win in the Peter Pan, and I am now looking for a classic second-start out of quarantine bounce from him. Would suggest maybe Jason's guy trained by Nick Zito, Anak Nakal, instead-- I know, has shown little to nothing to date as a 3 YO, but he is growing up, training sharply, and now ready to start blooming?

One more comment Janesville Liz: To hear the accolades over other possible Triple crown winners is normal and expected. There are upsets in racing, just as in any other sport. Take the New England Patriots. But because the Belmont was lost does not make these horses not great in their own right. They all took us on thrilling rides and had certain qualities within each of them. I prefer to live in the here and now and enjoy what we have at hand. To sit and wait for another Secretariat or Seattle Slew will only leave one disapointed in the sport. In today's industry it would seem we won't see many of the greats or potential greats race well into their 4 and 5 year old years. We live in a different world. We have to love them and live it while they are on the track. One could speculate for days about one horse or another being able to race with Affirmed, Alydar, Slew, Bid etc... it would only be speculation.  Occasionaly though, I must admit, I do entertain the thought of the greats running against eachother. A horse race for the heavens.

draynay:blah,blah,blah..again I say,you MUST be Dutrows' PR guy.Who said Casino Drive is sore?Dutrow?the neighborhood jerk!..you know what they say: "Birds of a feather flock together"..and for your info.,I've been watching horse racing since the mid-70's,though I'm only 37,and let me tell you,BB is NOT in the same class as Seattle Slew,period.Slew was a Champ at 2,3 & 4.Definately NOT after only 5/6 starts,can you proclaim a horse Great.Hold-on to your diaper,dandy.

Monica: Boy, do you have me wrong. I don't get angry in my posts when someone disagrees with me. I just prefer people to back their opinions with facts. What I find is people making comments that stacked up against the facts, don't hold water.  Win or lose on June 7th, you can bet I will be enjoying it. Because I know how to enjoy life in the present, not the past. I am not some johnny come lately race fan. I have been following this sport since I was knee high to a grass hopper. Not to mention I have two retired racehorses sitting in my pasture. My contribution to the sport I hold so dearly in my heart. Wish I could afford to have more.

I have a hard time buying into Anak Nakal, but stranger things have happened. What I am also not so sure of is Casino Drive, maybe he is just another good mile and an eighth horse, we really don't know what will happen at a longer distance with him , regardless of his breeding. I'm not ready to say he is a lock for second. I think he is a really nice horse , but can he really threaten Big Brown? at least we know Big Brown has faced the best of this year's crop, and hasn't been challenged yet, while Casino Drive will be facing the best group of 3 year olds he has seen yet, having only faced a so so group in the Peter Pan. I also liked Icabad Crane in the Preakness and called him third in my post here for that race, too bad I was way wrong on Gayego's distance capabilities, for I had picked him second.  I think Macho Again could surprise some in the Belmont, he showed he can run a distance around two turns now , and shows he runs hard every time.

Bryce, don't feel too badly about Adriano falling short. Did you see how hard he was slammed? Add to that, did you also notice that he had a front shoe ripped off before he even hit the first turn, probably happened during the game of bumper cars, in which he was involved. He is a nice horse, we will likely never have another chance to see him on the dirt, but the Derby was certainly not a true representation of his best work.

I think it is a riot to hear Dutrow's bluff about the Belmont being a foregone conclusion... his camp spent about three hours yesterday talking of nothing but scratching the horse. Believe me, they are not as confident as they wish to appear. Having witnessed the lives of more than one of the previous triple crown contenders from inside the ropes, I do understand how difficult the life of the connections can be during these weeks building up to the Belmont.

The problems with his quarters are a big set back no matter how they try to spin the news. That horse was already dangerously short on his preparation for such a huge race, and now he has lost 4 days of training right before the longest race of his life. Regardless of the quality of this year's three yr old field, if Big Brown wins the Belmont, he gets my respect, big time.    

Karen--BB is a nice horse. But a great one? Not in my mind. I've been following racing for over 40 years and have seen many of the great ones of that period, so I hardly consider myself uneducated on the subject. In my opinion, based on five races against moderate competition, BB does not stack up to being called great, which the horses I mentioned were. If he wins the Belmont, and does so impressively, I will change my mind. But having the media practically anoint him as the second coming of Secretariat is pemature. He is a beautiful horse, I love his pedigree, and as a specimen, he is gorgeous. And yes, I admit, I would appreciate him more if he did not have such arrogant and smug human connections. I wish someone would put a sock in Dutrow's mouth. But in my opinion, he needs to do more to earn the accolade great. If he wins the Belmont, I will happily eat my humble pie. But let us wait and see.

When Big Brown loses ? Lol.. you have to be kidding... Have you seen his races ?  I could see he was the second coming long before the Kentucky Derby...and I posted it right on this blog.  You have seen 3 consecutive G1 performances that you may never see again. Never mind the clock or Beyers watch the races... Big Brown may be the most talented ever.  Only 5 races? So what greatness is greatness...would you feel better if he whips this crop 5 or 6 more times?  Older horses ?  Did you see the Met Mile? Lol...1:36 ?  Big Brown can jog that ... Curlin ?  Your hopes are on Curlin ?  You mean the horse that could not win but one of the Triple Crown races and did it on a head bob.... yeah...he's a threat... give me a break. He couldn't catch Rags to Riches now you expect him to catch a Triple Crown winner....good luck with that.

Karen-- if I am not being too personal, could you supply the Jockey Club names of your two former racers now in your pasture? Like you, I live in the present, while honoring the past.

Our now 19 YO guy made 30 starts in his career and was clearly a barn favorite, hence the reason why they kept him around even through two extended lay-ups and despite his very modest earnings which didn't even cover his feed bill, much less the vet charges-- even his groom bought him after his final start, but couldn't keep up with the boarding fees, hence how he came to fall in our laps. He remains in training as an accomplished eventer.

Wish it was easier to track down retired horses-- I am still looking for a guy named Wheaty, 2001 gelding o/o Wheatly Special by Wheatly Hall (Wheatly Hall being Gary Stevens mount in the 1986 KY Derby). Sadly, by the time I tracked down Wheatly Hall (also our Guy's sire) to Jack Van Berg's ranch out on the West Coast, Jack had already had to put him down the year before. Remain very sorry I missed meeting our guy's sire. As the cowboy said-- "if there ain't horses in heaven then I hope I don't go there".

Was thrilled to see Bonnie's Poker while visiting "Old Friends" Dream Chase Farm-- the dam of 1997 KY Derby and Preakness winner Silver Charm. If only ALL our old friends were accorded this treatment. This industry has got to do MUCH better on this score.

That is a tactic, though, that participants in all sports are guilty of--expressing almost overconfidence to make it appear a problem is not as bad as feared. They may very well have thought about scratching him. Quarter cracks are funny things. It may be ok now, but give problems next week. The only thing I hope is that BB will be SOUND when he runs in the Belmont. I would rather see him scratched or even retired than have the possibility of over-inflated egos insisting on taking a shot at history with a horse with troublesome feet. Not that I am saying his people would do such a thing--I like to think they have some redeeming qualities, and are not just all blow-hard businessmen.   And yes, before somebody brings it up--I do not like BB's human connections. I have made no secret of that in other blogs on this site. Let BB win the Triple Crown and hopefully they will recede back into the corporate woodwork of Wall Street. As for Dutrow, don't even get me started. There are certain trainers, who, if I were lucky enough to ever have a top class horse, I would NEVER send my horse to, and he is one of them. Give me Shug McGaughey anyday--a brilliant trainer, a sportsman, and gentleman, as well, and I know this as I have spoken to him several times over the years.

Bryce Be Quick: I would be happy to provide the jockey club names of my two boys. Just out of curiosity, why do you ask? I am at work today and the papers are at home but I do know the registered name of one of them is Gally's last Prince. He is out of Gallapiat, who is out of Buckpasser.He is 10 I believe this year. I adopted him as a 6 year old.  I paid to have him shipped all the way to North Dakota from New York. I had big dreams of training him for dressage. Unfortunately he has soundness issues and is A lOT of horse, so, he gets to eat grass and look beautiful. I adopted him by photos only from the TRF. It took him two years to finally adapt to just being a horse. He has only 6 starts, carried 117 pounds and won twice and two third place finishes. He then ended up with the TRF. I love the industry but know there is a dark side and have first hand knowledge and experience with a horse that has been pin fired excessively. He is pain free and runs happily now. I could probably start to train him now but although he is a sweetheart on the ground, he is quite the handful in the saddle. I am far to old to get hurt.

The other one is 17 this year. I ride him dressage and on trails. I did some research on his pedigree and he goes back to Slew and in fact has the same light golden brown eyes that the Slew had. He is smaller in size. Only about 15.1 hands but he is a talented jumper and trained to 2nd level dressage. He runs circles around our much younger quarter horses. They both run just to run.

I would agree the industry needs to do make some huge strides in protecting these horses after they retire. So many are bred each year and only a few become prominent race horses. I watch Gally float across the pasture now and am in awe of his grace and beauty. I wonder how many others never get the chance he got. If I could afford to have more hay burners around. I would adopt 10 more.  

O.K., I don't want to be to hard on the journalists but I just read the article by Beth Harris about the elusive triple crown and couldn't help but laugh out loud when she talked about Smarty Jones and called him a small black colt. Smarty is small but he is far from black.

Karen,

I saw that in the article as well-what do I need to do to get that job? It would be nice to have a triple crown winner, but I'd like to see a good horse race and see how BB responds with someone looking him in the eye down the stretch.  Assuming, of course, they can keep up with him!

Just a question because  I am curious. Earlier people were talking of the fastest derby times. I believe Monarchos had one of the fastest!

To Gman: you're right! Monarchos's time was 1:59.4 I believe the second fastest Derby WIN ever (I know Sham ran 1:59.4 too). I think people dismiss Monarchos's fast Derby time due to the fast surface at the time and that Monarchos didn't do much after his Derby victory.

Spectacular Bids Derby was run on an extremely tirirg track--and "Brownie" ran into a strong headwind for most of his Derby--the fact is times can be very misleading--it's too bad Big Brown won't continue running but I really hope he faces off v Curlin and even Heatseeker--HE NEEDS TO PROVE IT THAT HE CAN BEAT GOOD ELDERS--that's "Class 101"--but you cannot blame the horse--he's fired cannon shots up to now--Casino Drive is likely to regress the longer he stays in USA---this is taxing on a horse's system, the change in time and all--maybe an exacta with Nick Zito's horse, we're all gonna see something special this Sat, Big Brown is heads above this year's crop, I'd love to see him turf (like the GREAT Secretariat, who dominated two gr 1's at marathon turf distances vs elders), no Big Red of Meadow Stable was something, those lazy losses nonwithstanding, his Derby/Belmont/Marlboro Cup were races for the ages, and Sham was the real deal--he won one of the all-time toughest Santa Anita Derbies by five in 1:47 flat (over Linda's Chief, Groshawk and Ancient Title)--he was eight clear in Derby/Preakness--the Derby that year included Forego and Our Native--the 1970 crop was big time strong and Secretariat dominated--and Spectacular Bid beat General Assembly in his Derby--the son of Secretariat was 10 clear in 2nd and he later won Travers by 13...the point is, some horses establish their greatness because they beat other real good ones--Big Brown NEEDS to beat Curlin/Heatseeker cuz he hasn't the necessary competition v his own age group--otherwise it'll be left to speculation--but like I said, you can't blame Brownie--he's a HELLUVA horse!!

Karen- Not sure if you are still checking posts here, but basically the reason I was asking about the Jockey Club names of your two ex-racers is am I very interested to go back and see how t-bred enjoying second careers did in their first. I think it is very unfortunate many label t-breds as "too hot" to be successfully reschooled for other disciplines, when my experience and observation concludes exactly the opposite the case-- a t-bred who has made to the track at any level has been exposed to so much by dent of the very process used to make a competitive track-worthy horse they are in fact highly desirable candidates for any and all manner of other disciplines, from show jumping, to eventing, to dressage; from the hunt field to the polo field, and for trail riding and as the all-purpose pleasure horse.

Frankly, I snicker to myself when I hear owners of very expensive European sport horses go on and on about the best qualities of their mounts, when they are describing elements such as "smooth stride", "competitiveness", "speed","athleticism", etc  which, of course are all t-bred features, and which are available at a fraction of the price. Further, and this is going to surprise many of you comment how fragile the t-bred is, it is in fact noteworthy how durable the t-bred proves to be in their off-the-track careers. As three-day Olympic eventer Bruce Davidson once observed, "I prefer a former racehorse to a youngster that has been left to grow too fat and soft...if they hold up to the rigors of racing chances are they will hold up for whatever I want them to do."

Just as it appears that Big Brown is a near lock to become the first Triple Crowner in thirty years, onto the scene flies Casino Drive, ready, willing, and very much able to win the Belmont Stakes. Casino Drive is sent to post by the Japanese racing manager-tycoon, Nobutaka Tada. Casino Drive is out of the dam Better than Honor. Name not familiar? It should be...This dam has sent the last two Belmont winners to post, one of whom did not race in the the Preakness Stakes or Kentucky Derby. And Casino Drive is the half sibling to both of them, with an even stronger pedigree.

Tada's bossman paid $950,000.oo for Casino Drive at the September 2006 Keenland yearling sale. At that same sale, Big Brown brought $190,000.oo, one fifth the price that it took to fetch Casino Drive. And there is a reason for the price difference...Casino Drive is faster, with a pedigree that outshines British Royalty.

Casino Drive has only 2 races under his belt, but a close look at his Peter Pan Stakes triumph at Belmont Park a couple of weeks ago, proves that the young phenom is super legit.

Casino Drive broke very slowly and last in the Peter Pan Stakes, spotting the early leaders nearly 10 lengths. But by the first 1/16th of a mile, Casino Drive had swiftly rushed into contention, and tucked himself comfortably in behind the pacesetters, (and I mean swiftly, watch the replay). Coming into the final turn, Casino Drive had closed to only a length behind the two leaders. As the field turned for home, Kent smacked Casino Drive with the whip, while asking him to split horses coming out of the turn. Casino Drive never balked or blinked as he willingly split the leaders at the top of the stretch. Kent hit him once more and Casino Drive shot three lengths ahead in the next 40 yards. The race was as good as done. Kent tapped him once more and then rode Casino Drive through the stretch in a hand breeze all the while widenening the margin of victory out to 6 lengths.

As Casino Drive neared the finish line, he cockily swished his tail back and forth, looking and acting like he was just getting warmed up.

A look at Casino Drive's bloodline is astounding. Secretariat was one of his great great grandsires. Seattle Slew was one of his great grandsires. Add Deputy Minister , Mr. Prospector, and Northern Dancer (top sire ever) to the other side of his bloodline and there is no wonder why he was a million dollar yearling. Casino Drive is even the 7th generation paternal blood of Man O War, (War Admiral's daddy). And he has lived up to his immaculate conception thus far.

To win the mile and a half Belmont, Casino Drive can nare afford a slow break like in the Peter Pan. To have to rush into contention after the break will be fatal at a mile and a half. Casino Drive has quicker feet and is indeed faster than Big Brown, but Big Brown has put the best, into the rest column thus far. And impressively, Big Brown can run five wide in the turns all the while gaining ground. Big Brown shifts gears when asked. He's very good, perhaps great, we will know this Saturday.

Should both horses have clean trips, the edge goes to Casino Drive, but the ever pressing Big Brown will be there to claim his crown should Casino Drive not do everything exactly right..

For the bettors, an exacta box coupling these two will be the favoite pick on the board, but these two phenoms are far, far above the rest. Barring really bad luck this is as solid a bet as you'll ever see.

Beware Big Brown, the son of the kings has arrived, his name is Casino Drive, and he's coming to claim your crown.

Dr. Swinesmeller your analysis on all the breeding and what Casino Drive's relatives have done in the Belmont is great, the only thing your forgetting is Big Brown can't read! He sure doesn't think Casino Drive is a better horse. Big Brown would be in counseling if he could read 1/2 of these blogs!

Hi GMan.  I am aware that Big Brown can't read, but Casino Drive can.  His immaculate breeding has lead to his extremely higher educational level.  

Dr. SwineSmeller

About two hours of research reveals these Belmont winners facts:

Proof positive that Casino Drive was born to win the Belmont Stakes...

This is a brief list of past Belmont winners with a brief history of their most notable blood relevance..

Rags To Riches - Great grandson to Secretariat. Grandson of Seattle Slew

Jazil - Great great grandson to War Admiral

Afleet Alex - Great grandson to Northern Dancer

Point Given - Great grandson to Northern Dancer

Commendable - Great grandson to Secretariat

Lemon Drop - Great grandson to Northern Dancer

Thunder Gulch - Great great grandson to Northern Dancer

Colonial Affair - Great great grandson to Northern dancer

AP Indy - Grandson to Secretariat. Son of Seattle Slew.

Hansel - Great grandson to Northern Dancer

Risen Star - Son of Secretariat

Bet Twice - Great grandson to Northern Dancer

Danzig Connection - Grandson of Northern Dancer

Affirmed - Great grandson to War Admiral

Seattle Slew - Great great great grandson to War Admiral

Now for Big Brown and Casino Drive:

Big Brown - Great Grandson to Northern Dancer

Casino Drive - Great grandson to Seattle Slew - Great grandson to Mr. Prospector - Great great grandson to Secretariat - Great great grandson to Northern Dancer.. He is also the 8th generation paternal blood of Man O War (War Admiral's daddy).

WOW!

(And that is the combination of four "non-related' bloodlines).

Casino Drive is the pinnacle of the thoroughbred bloodline. And with one look at him, this is painfully obvious, even to the untrained eye.

There has never been a horse that was bred & born to win Belmont, like Casino Drive.

Dr. SwineSmeller

_________________

A Pain in the Pork Chop... Dr. SwineSmeller

I am sure Casino Drive will win alot of races, I just don't think he will win Saturday, but he should have a good view of the best horse!

come on u can trace all the horses back to one of them.     the question is can casino drive handle this race mentally he has won his 2 races by open lengths what happens when he actually has to put someone away in the stretch.   if he can't gain on him does he stay on for 2nd or does he pack it in.  that's my question.  dennis of cork will be rolling and robby will have closer to pace. watch out.   his only bad race was at hawthore. HE should have never ran in that race u have to be out of your mind to send your horse to that place.   this  horse is sitting on a big one.   i got a felling big brown's foot is gonna be a problem.  they will risk the 50 million and run him even if they know he is hurt.  these people have tons of money. They want the attention more than the money.  And racing has a funny way of dealing with people like this.  go ahead dutrow wait at the winners circle you'll have a perfect view of dennis of cork winning.  

Hey there Bomberbill.  Yeah, you can trace most Belmont contenders back to one of them, mostly Northern Dancer.  And you can trace a few Belmont contenders back to two of them.

But to trace a Belmont contender back to all of them, as with Casino Drive, is a rarity.

A pain in the pork chop....Dr. SwineSmeller