The Sport of Kings always gets a bad rap after a death on the racetrack. Criticism often comes from those that have no idea how the thoroughbred industry operates.

The latest chapter in the blame game involves the unfortunate demise of Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby after running a valiant second, then collapsing on the Churchill Downs main track and having to be euthanized.

The salvos fired soon after the tragedy were many: Fillies shouldn’t race against males, Eight Belles must have been on steroids, it’s a money hungry industry with no regard for the horses, etc.

Well, fillies and mares have raced against their male counterparts across the Atlantic for years and have done quite well. Tests proved Eight Belles wasn’t racing with steroids when she broke down in the Kentucky Derby after finishing second to Big Brown. And most owners and trainers of thoroughbreds would never think of throwing them to the wolves.

Several of my readers commented on the Eight Belles tragedy and were quite compassionate.

“I wanted to see a filly win,” wrote Marsha. “But the worst happened. It was not the owner’s, trainer or jockey’s fault. The old saying, ‘S— Happens.’ It did. A racehorse, with a big heart, broke her legs. Yea, fillies may not be as strong as a stallion, but look at women – we aren’t either, but we get the job done. RIP Eight Belles. You did a wonderful job!”

“There is no reason why fillies can’t or shouldn’t race in the Kentucky Derby,” Connie observed. “However, fate has happened as it could have happened to any of the other horses, as we have seen in the past such as Barbaro. But everything happens for a reason. My heart goes out to her trainers, owners and everyone she has touched in her short life. God Bless!”

“She was a great athlete – she beat all but one of the boys,” Warren remarked. “I wept when I heard of her demise. I agree with some of the others it was an unfortunate accident”

Now Congress has decided to poke its nose into horse racing, just like it recently did concerning steroids in pro baseball and team spying in the National Football League.

However, racing is attempting to correct such issues as drugged horses, catastrophic breakdowns and injured thoroughbreds with nowhere to go.

Alan Marzelli, president of The Jockey Club whose Thoroughbred Safety Committee recently issued recommendations to correct the problems, said he would like to see an industry-led central body for racing, not federal intervention.

On Monday, IEAH Stables, which owns Big Brown, told BloodHorse.com its horses would race without any medication except Lasix starting Oct. 1. Several horses are bleeders, trainer Rick Dutrow explained, and require Lasix to run.

“We’re beginning Oct. 1,” IEAH co-president Mike Iavarone said, “because the horses should be clear of all substances by that time. In addition, we are willing to allow racetracks to do pre- and post-race testing on all our horses, and we will pay all expenses.

Iavarone said he feels it’s time for someone to step up and take drastic action – and he challenged all owners to follow suit.

Several of my readers recently suggested withholding steroids from Big Brown after he won the Preakness was one reason the 3-year-old performed badly in the Belmont.

“I think the poor horse was not used to running without steroids (Winstrol),” Paula Marie wrote. “It does not mean he’s not a great racehorse. But since Winstrol is legal, he should’ve probably stayed on that until after this major race. It may have been too hard on him physically because he was used to running on the steroid. I’m definitely against the use of steroids without a medical cause, but the time may have been too soon to get off of Winstrol.”

“People forget that horses aren’t machine,” Fred said. “They’re animals – living, breathing creatures that have moods just like anyone else. He was just having an off day.”

“I believe it was Big Brown’s way of saying ‘enough already,” Pamela commented. “His hoof may have been sore, it was treacherously hot and he may have just not felt like performing. Good for him. I think the jockey did the right thing when he eased Big Brown up. I’m just glad we didn’t see another speeding ambulance out on the track and another tragedy.”

Big Brown can bounce back in the Haskell at Monmouth Park on Aug. 3. I believe he will.

by Bookmaker Racebook

ARLINGTON PARK

Tony Terrific: Difficult to load, broke slowly, raced ninth and last more than 11 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, circled the field from seventh for the drive, closed fast from second in stretch to make up 3 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on June 21; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 29 flat.

Moment of Repent: Raced fifth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, hit rail heading into turn, bumped rival, angled out in stretch and rallied from fourth to gain second by 1 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on June 7.

So Busted: Raced 6 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, boxed in on far turn, angled out for drive, rallied to make up more than 3 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/8 miles on a yielding turf course May 31. (Raced six lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, steadied on far turn, dropped to eighth, split horses when clear for drive and closed fast from sixth to win by 1 ¼ lengths at a mile on a good turf course June 21.)

Manhasset Indian: Raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in seventh after three-eighths of a mile, swung wide for drive, rallied in stretch to make up 5 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 5 ½ furlongs on May 31.

U Dream It U Do It: Raced ninth and last 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out six wide for the drive, closed fast from sixth to make up 3 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on May 10; ran final quarter in 23 seconds. (Pressed pace a length back in third after a half-mile, grabbed lead by a head in stretch and drew off to win by 3 ½ lengths at six furlongs on May 30.)

Boots Are Walking: Raced three lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile and rallied in stretch to gain second by a half-length at six furlongs on May 31. (Tracked pace in fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, brushed rival while advancing three wide into turn and rallied in stretch to win by a nose at five furlongs on the turf June 7; returned $12.80 on front end.)

BELMONT PARK

Five Demon Bag: Raced fourth early, angled outside to avoid trouble, was two lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground entering stretch, rallied from fourth to make up three lengths and gained second by 1 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on June 21.

Chobe: Raced fifth early, steadied, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, entered stretch wide, closed willingly from fifth to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten 1 ¼ lengths and a head at 1 1/16 miles on June 6.

Last Train Babe: Stumbled at start, raced seventh and last early, advanced inside to sixth seven lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out sharply in mid-stretch, closed fast to make up 5 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on May 29; ran final quarter in 24 2/5.

Final Story: Raced sixth and last 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch from fifth and finished third by a head at six furlongs on a sealed muddy surface June 5. (Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung outside at top of the stretch and rallied from fourth to gain second by 1 ¾ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on June 17.)

CALDER

Never Absent: Bumped with rival early, raced sixth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for stretch run, made up nearly four lengths and finished third beaten a head and a half-length at six furlongs on June 15.

Als Big Girl: Steadied early, tracked pace more than a length behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground going four wide into stretch, rallied to make up more than two lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 7 ½ furlongs on a good turf course June 7.

Dancing Calling: Raced six lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, steadied behind rivals on far turn, swung out for drive, ducked in under right-handed urging inside sixteenth pole impeding third-place finisher, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course May 29; disqualified for interference and placed third. (Led by a half-length after a half-mile, edged away on far turn while going inside, turned back runner-up in stretch and won by 3 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on June 20.)

Excellent Soldier: Raced more than two lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, steadied behind winner midway on far turn and again entering stretch, rallied and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/6 miles on a good turf course May 31. (Raced two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, angled out in backstretch to avoid third place finisher, moved up to second on far turn and weakened to third beaten a nose for place at a mile on the turf June 21.)

Lemon Drop Girl: Raced eighth more than five lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied three wide from seventh in stretch to make up five lengths and finished third beaten a length at five furlongs on the turf May 3. (Raced sixth more than five lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, advanced along rail to third in mid-stretch, but couldn’t improve position at five furlongs on the turf May 25.)

CANTERBURY PARK

Sole of the City: Raced second early, led by 1 ½ lengths after a half-mile, increased margin to five lengths in stretch and prevailed by 3 ½ lengths under solid hand urging at six furlongs on May 3 at Prairie Meadows. (Pressed pace in second a head back to stretch, dueled and was nosed out at six furlongs on May 31.)

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Maria Victoria: Broke seventh and last, raced sixth more than 3 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, angled out four wide on turn, rallied from fourth to make up 2 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at five furlongs on the turf June 19.

Bobby Jack: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, went inside for the drive, blocked at three-sixteenths pole, angled out, made up two lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on June 5.

Ride On Josephine: Lost footing at start, raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, closed fast outside from fourth in stretch, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at five furlongs on May 29.

Choice Play:  Checked several times inside along backstretch, raced more than 5 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, advanced four wide approaching stretch and rallied from fifth to gain second by 2 ½ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on May 10.

Le Dauphin: Raced fourth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced three wide on far turn into stretch, made up 1 ¼ lengths and gained second by a neck at 1 1/8 miles on the turf May 1. (Pressed pace a half-length behind in second after a half-mile, gained brief lead by a head on far turn, responded when headed in mid-stretch and prevailed by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 6.)

COLONIAL DOWNS

Blue Sailor: Raced 3 ½ lengths behind in third after three-eighths of a mile, closed gap moving to second in stretch making up 2 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at a five furlongs on the turf May 30 at Pimlico. (Accelerated to the front, set pace slightly off rail, led by four lengths after three-eighths of a mile, increased margin through stretch and won by 8 ½ lengths under a hand ride at five furlongs on the turf June 20.)

Patapso Commander: Raced more than 5 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, rallied to fourth in stretch, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and a neck at six furlongs on May 25 at Pimlico. (Raced more than 8 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, rallied to second nearing eighth pole, outfinished for place, but secured third by 4 ½ lengths at seven furlongs on June 15.)

DELAWARE

Big Easy: Raced eighth and last 7 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied from sixth in stretch to make up five lengths and gained second by 2 ¼ lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on June 16.

Mountain Myth: Raced more than five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, closed well in stretch to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course June 4. (Raced more than 8 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, closed willingly from fifth outside rivals in stretch and finished third beaten a head and a nose at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 17.)

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Probation Please: Raced ninth and last more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up along rail leaving far turn into stretch, rallied from fifth to make up more than two lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on June 19.

Bel Air Sizzle: Hesitated at start, broke sixth and last, trailed by more than 8 ½ lengths after a half-mile, waited off heels in upper stretch, came out nearing mid-stretch, closed fast from fifth to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and ran second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/8 miles on the turf June 7; ran final three furlongs in 34 4/5.

Cavanal: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch, rallied between rivals to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at a mile on the turf May 26. (Raced four lengths behind in third after a half-mile, dropped to third in stretch and came back to finish second beaten a head at 1 1/16 miles on June 14.)

Lit’sgoodlookngray: Raced more than 5 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, came out in stretch, rallied from sixth to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths and finished second by 2 ½ lengths at six furlongs on May 17; ran final quarter in 23 2/5. (Pressed pace in third more than a length back after a half-mile, came off the rail in stretch and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on June 14.)

River Echo: Crowded after breaking seventh and last, raced 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, came out four wide into stretch, made up four lengths and finished well in second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on March 27; ran final quarter in 23 1/5 at Santa Anita. (Broke seventh and last, trailed by more than 15 lengths after a half-mile, rallied from sixth in stretch to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and gained third by 1 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 9; returned $5.40 to show.)

LONE STAR PARK

La Estrellita: Raced seven early, dropped back to 10th more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied six wide entering stretch and gained second at 1 1/16 miles on the turf May 3. (Raced more than four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied wide from third on far turn, gained lead entering stretch and drew away under strong urging to win by 13 ¼ lengths at a mile on June 5.)

LOUISIANA DOWS

Flat Out Fast: Raced ninth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, swung out four wide and split foes turning for home, rallied from fourth after losing ground to make up five lengths in stretch and finished second beaten by a half-length at six furlongs on June 19.

Sligo Joe: Raced seventh inside early, advanced to fourth 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, moved in and back out in stretch, made up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at seven furlongs on June 7; ran final three furlongs in 36 4/5.

MONMOUTH

Dixie’s Angel: Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, lost ground turning for home, rallied to make up nearly 4 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on June 15.

All Together: Broke 10th and last, in a bit tight early, raced ninth more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied five wide to seventh in stretch, made up more than 1 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course June 7.

Anofficerandalady: Raced five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, eased out in the lane, made up 2 ½ lengths in stretch and was the runner-up beaten a neck on June 7.

Heavy Hands: Broke awkwardly and last, moved up from eighth to fourth early, advanced inside to second a head back after a half-mile, taken outside on turn to gain lead, led by 3 ½ lengths in stretch, drew off while being geared down nearing wire and won by 11 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on May 29; ran final quarter in 24 4/5.

De Fearless One: Raced ninth and last early, moved to fourth 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile and railed outside to gain second by a half-length at six furlongs on a muddy surface May 10. (Broke 10th and last, raced ninth early, advanced to fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide to second in stretch and wore down leader to win by a half-length at six furlongs on June 7.)

J Z Warrior: Stalked leaders in third more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch and failed to threaten finishing third at seven furlongs on May 3 at Belmont. (Broke slowly sixth and last, grabbed lead early, led by two lengths after a half-mile and drew off in stretch to win by four lengths at six furlongs June 21.)

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Rubbernecker: Raced seventh early, dropped to eighth and last more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out on far turn, closed from fifth to make up 3 ½ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a head and a half-length at a mile on June 1.

Westside Flyer: Dueled two wide early, lead by a half-length after a half-mile, shook loose by six lengths in upper stretch and cruised home handily to win by a dozen lengths in 1:09 2/5 handily at six furlongs on June 3.

Purple S Shamrock: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground moving to fourth in stretch, made up three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at seven furlongs on May 26. (Raced fourth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out for the drive, challenged for the lead near the eighth pole, dueled to wire and finished second beaten a head at 5 ½ furlongs on the turf June 15.)

Spirit of Gulch: Pressed pace more than a length back in third after a half-mile, gained late on outside, but couldn’t improve position and was beaten two necks at six furlongs on May 30 at Penn National. (Raced four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile and rallied mildly to finish third by 2 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on June 21.)

by Bookmaker Racebook

Theories abound on why Big Brown finished ninth and last in the Belmont Stakes. They range from possible physical problems concerning the horse to the blame game involving the trainer and jockey.

I believe 18th Century German physicist Georg Cristoph Lichtenberg had it right: “Some theories are good for nothing except to be argued.”

Since that fateful June 7 when Big Brown failed to get the lead despite the No. 1 post, encountered a less than perfect trip early and couldn’t accelerate despite being outside on the far turn, the theories expressed have been numerous:

It could have been the quarter crack, Belmont Park was deep and cuppy, the heat was stifling because of high humidity, Big Brown breaking from the inside was startled by the starter, the colt didn’t like the track, he was kicked going to the clubhouse turn, the jockey gave him a horrible ride, the trainer didn’t work him enough, etc.

First, the horse apparently had no physical problems, according to tests after the race. The quarter crack didn’t affect his performance. “I took his shoes off, but that was what we wanted to do anyway,” trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. told BloodHorse.com. “I scoped him and it was clean.” That showed he didn’t bleed through his Lasix or have other internal problems.

“I took a full blood on him (June 11),” he said. “I’ll see what it’s like. I don’t see any issues with his legs. I’m not going to blame the racetrack, everybody else had to run on that racetrack and they had to run in that heat. So I’m not going to blame the track or the heat.”

One criticism was aimed at Dutrow concerning the lone workout during the three weeks between races. “Perhaps Big Brown hadn’t done enough to be in top shape for the 1 ½ miles,” racing guru Andy Beyer wrote. “If he wasn’t in optimal condition, the hot weather and the rough trip might have affected more than they normally would have.”

Several days after the Belmont, Dutrow told Associated Press, “I don’t see the horse with a problem, so I have to direct my attention toward the ride. That’s all I can come up with.”

Before they recently met to clear up any differences, Kent Desormeaux said: “I had no horse. He was empty.”

Dutrow, however, told the Daily Racing Form he didn’t know why Desormeaux eased the horse at the top of the stretch. In addition, he said Big Brown had no idea “what the hell was going on going into the first turn” because Desormeaux “was switching him” all over the track.

Co-owner Michael Iavarone differed, “We didn’t tell Kent to ease Big Brown, but we’re glad he did. Kent was worried about the horse, and we’re all glad that he bought him home healthy.”

Dutrow and Iavarone disagree on when the 3-year-old should race again. Ivarone favors the Haskell on Aug. 3 at Monmouth and Dutrow prefers the Travers on Aug. 23 at Saratoga.

“Well, we are going to have to deal with (the Haskell) coming up,” Dutrow said, adding that he’d defer to the owners. “I would like to just train the horse and see how he is. It wouldn’t be out of the question if that is what (Iavarone) wants.”

This year’s Belmont winner Da ’Tara is headed to the Travers. Four winners of Triple Crown’s last leg during the past three decades scored in Saratoga’s premier race, with the last being Birdstone in ’04.

If Big Brown runs, he’ll attempt to become the fourth Kentucky Derby champ to win in the past 15 years and the third Preakness winner to triumph since ’01.

If Big Brown goes in the Haskell, he’ll try to become the second Derby and fourth Preakness winners to triumph.

Point Given, who finished fifth in the ’01 Derby, won the Preakness, Belmont, Haskell and Travers. He’s one of five horses to both the Haskell and Travers.

by Bookmaker Racebook

ARLINGTON PARK

Moment of Repent: Raced fifth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, hit rail heading into turn, bumped rival, angled out in stretch and rallied from fourth to gain second by 1 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on June 7.

So Busted: Raced 6 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, boxed in on far turn, angled out for drive, rallied to make up more than 3 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/8 miles on a yielding turf course May 31.

Manhasset Indian: Raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in seventh after three-eighths of a mile, swung wide for drive, rallied in stretch to make up 5 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 5 ½ furlongs on May 31.

U Dream It U Do It: Raced ninth and last 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out six wide for the drive, closed fast from sixth to make up 3 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on May 10; ran final quarter in 23 seconds. (Pressed pace a length back in third after a half-mile, grabbed lead by a head in stretch and drew off to win by 3 ½ lengths at six furlongs on May 30.)

Boots Are Walking: Raced three lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile and rallied in stretch to gain second by a half-length at six furlongs on May 31. (Tracked pace in fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, brushed rival while advancing three wide into turn and rallied in stretch to win by a nose at five furlongs on the turf June 7; returned $12.80 on front end.)

BELMONT PARK

Chobe: Raced fifth early, steadied, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, entered stretch wide, closed willingly from fifth to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten 1 ¼ lengths and a head at 1 1/16 miles on June 6.

Last Train Babe: Stumbled at start, raced seventh and last early, advanced inside to sixth seven lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out sharply in mid-stretch, closed fast to make up 5 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on May 29; ran final quarter in 24 2/5.

J Z Warrior: Pressed pace in third within a length after a half-mile, lost ground four wide into stretch, made up 1 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on April 5; ran final quarter in 24 4/5 at Hawthorne. (Stalked leaders in third more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch and failed to threaten finishing third at seven furlongs on May 3.)

Final Story: Pressed pace more than 1 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, lost ground entering stretch and finished third at six furlongs on May 2. (Raced sixth and last 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied in stretch from fifth and finished third by a head at six furlongs on a sealed muddy surface June 5.)

CALDER

Als Big Girl: Steadied early, tracked pace more than a length behind in fifth after a half-mile, lost ground going four wide into stretch, rallied to make up more than two lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 7 ½ furlongs on a good turf course June 7.

Dancing Calling: Raced six lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, steadied behind rivals on far turn, swung out for drive, ducked in under right-handed urging inside sixteenth pole impeding third-place finisher, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course May 29; disqualified for interference and placed third.

Excellent Soldier: Raced 5 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, checked on heels of rival in far turn, angled out in stretch, made up nearly two lengths and finished second nosed out at 1 1/16 miles on the turf May 11. (Raced more than two lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, steadied behind winner midway on far turn and again entering stretch, rallied and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/6 miles on a good turf course May 31.)

Lemon Drop Girl: Raced eighth more than five lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied three wide from seventh in stretch to make up five lengths and finished third beaten a length at five furlongs on the turf May 3. (Raced sixth more than five lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, advanced along rail to third in mid-stretch, but couldn’t improve position at five furlongs on the turf May 25.)

CANTERBURY PARK

Sole of the City: Raced second early, led by 1 ½ lengths after a half-mile, increased margin to five lengths in stretch and prevailed by 3 ½ lengths under solid hand urging at six furlongs on May 3 at Prairie Meadows. (Pressed pace in second a head back to stretch, dueled and was nosed out at six furlongs on May 31.)

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Bobby Jack: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, went inside for the drive, blocked at three-sixteenths pole, angled out, made up two lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on June 5.

Ride On Josephine: Lost footing at start, raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, closed fast outside from fourth in stretch, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at five furlongs on May 29.

Choice Play: Checked several times inside along backstretch, raced more than 5 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, advanced four wide approaching stretch and rallied from fifth to gain second by 2 ½ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on May 10.

Le Dauphin: Raced fourth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced three wide on far turn into stretch, made up 1 ¼ lengths and gained second by a neck at 1 1/8 miles on the turf May 1. (Pressed pace a half-length behind in second after a half-mile, gained brief lead by a head on far turn, responded when headed in mid-stretch and prevailed by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 6.)

Crypto Warrior: Sluggish at start, raced 11th more than 10 lengths back after a half-mile, advanced inside to fifth in stretch and closed willingly to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a half-length and a neck at seven furlongs on April 30.

DELAWARE

Mountain Myth: Raced more than five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, closed well in stretch to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course June 4.

Diamond Fever: Broke alertly, raced third early, dropped to fifth five lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out five wide for drive, made up nearly three lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a neck and two lengths at 1 1/6 miles on the turf May 28.

River Kwai: Raced seventh more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung wide entering stretch and rallied in stretch to make up three lengths and lost by a length at a mile on a good turf course at Pimlico on May 2.

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Bel Air Sizzle: Hesitated at start, broke sixth and last, trailed by more than 8 ½ lengths after a half-mile, waited off heels in upper stretch, came out nearing mid-stretch, closed fast from fifth to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and ran second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/8 miles on the turf June 7; ran final three furlongs in 34 4/5.

Cavanal: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, came four wide into stretch, rallied between rivals to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at a mile on the turf May 26.

Lit’sgoodlookngray: Raced more than 5 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, came out in stretch, rallied from sixth to make up more than 2 ¼ lengths and finished second by 2 ½ lengths at six furlongs on May 17; ran final quarter in 23 2/5.

River Echo: Crowded after breaking seventh and last, raced 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, came out four wide into stretch, made up four lengths and finished well in second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on March 27; ran final quarter in 23 1/5 at Santa Anita. (Broke seventh and last, trailed by more than 15 lengths after a half-mile, rallied from sixth in stretch to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and gained third by 1 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 9; returned $5.40 to show.)

LONE STAR PARK

La Estrellita: Raced seven early, dropped back to 10th more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied six wide entering stretch and gained second at 1 1/16 miles on the turf May 3. (Raced more than four lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied wide from third on far turn, gained lead entering stretch and drew away under strong urging to win by 13 ¼ lengths at a mile on June 5.)

LOUISIANA DOWS

Sligo Joe: Raced seventh inside early, advanced to fourth 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, moved in and back out in stretch, made up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at seven furlongs on June 7; ran final three furlongs in 36 4/5.

Deelites’s Swifty: Raced eight lengths behind in third after a half-mile, took over upper stretch, led by eight lengths heading home and won by 19 ½ lengths ridden out at seven furlongs on May 25; ran final three furlongs in 37 4/5. (Forced pace inside by a half-length after a half-mile, dropped to third in stretch, rebounded to gain second by a head at 7 ½ furlongs on the turf June 6.)

MONMOUTH

All Together: Broke 10th and last, in a bit tight early, raced ninth more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied five wide to seventh in stretch, made up more than 1 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course June 7.

Anofficerandalady: Raced five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, eased out in the lane, made up 2 ½ lengths in stretch and was the runner-up beaten a neck on June 7.

Heavy Hands: Broke awkwardly and last, moved up from eighth to fourth early, advanced inside to second a head back after a half-mile, taken outside on turn to gain lead, led by 3 ½ lengths in stretch, drew off while being geared down nearing wire and won by 11 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on May 29; ran final quarter in 24 4/5.

De Fearless One: Raced ninth and last early, moved to fourth 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile and railed outside to gain second by a half-length at six furlongs on a muddy surface May 10. (Broke 10th and last, raced ninth early, advanced to fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide to second in stretch and wore down leader to win by a half-length at six furlongs on June 7.)

PENN NATIONAL

Spirit of Gulch: Tracked pace 3 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, rallied in mid-stretch to grab lead and drew off to win by 5 ½ lengths under mild urging at 6 ½ furlongs on May 4 at Philadelphia Park. (Pressed pace more than a length back in third after a half-mile, gained late on outside, but couldn’t improve position and was beaten two necks at six furlongs on May 30.)

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Westside Flyer: Dueled two wide early, lead by a half-length after a half-mile, shook loose by six lengths in upper stretch and cruised home handily to win by a dozen lengths in 1:09 2/5 handily at six furlongs on June 3.

Purple S Shamrock: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground moving to fourth in stretch, made up three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at seven furlongs on May 26.

PIMLICO

Blue Sailor: Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, checked sharply entering turn, angled out in stretch, made up more than 1 ¼ lengths late and finished third beaten a neck and 1 ¼ lengths at five furlongs on a good turf course May 17. (Raced 3 ½ lengths behind in third after three-eighths of a mile, closed gap moving to second in stretch making up 2 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at a five furlongs on the turf May 30.)

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Big Brown drew the inside post in the 140th Belmont Stakes and was established as the morning line 2-5 favorite on Wednesday.

The colt could go off at even lower odds on Saturday after his bullet breeze of a minute for five furlongs 24 hours earlier on Belmont Park’s main track. Rick Dutrow Jr. pronounced the son of Boundary fit and ready to become the 12th Triple Crown winner.

Six of the past 10 horses since 1979 that had a shot at immortality also were odds-on favorites, but finished second three times, third twice and fourth.

The closest to pulling it off was Real Quiet in ’98 who fell a nose short. Ironically, Kent Desormeaux was aboard the runner-up that day – Big Brown’s rider.

While Dutrow told BloodHorse.com before the draw he preferred an outside post, he didn’t appear disturbed that his horse will break from No. 1. “I just can’t see a post getting him beat. It doesn’t matter what post he drew. He is much better than these horses.”

Since Belmont records have been kept since ’05, the inside post produced the most winners: 23. The last winner to draw the rail was Empire Maker in ’03.

The early second choice at 7-2 is Casino Drive, the Peter Pan winner, who drew No. 5, the next winningest post tied with No. 3, with 13 victories. Edgar Prado, who will ride the son of Mineshaft, is going for his third Belmont win as a Triple Crown spoiler.

On Friday, Casino Drive came up with what his camp called a minor problem in his left hind leg believed to be a small stone bruise, but stressed no thoughts about scratching were entertained.

The last time the Belmont field numbered 10 was ’89 when Easy Goer dashed odds-on Sunday Silence’s TC dreams.

Others going 1 ½ miles, with their post, odds and jockey, are:

2. Guadalcanal, 50-1, Javier Castellano

3. Macho Again, 20-1, Garrett Gomez

4. Denis of Cork, 12-1, Robby Albarado

6. Da’ Tara, 30-1, Alan Garcia

7. Tale of Ekati, 20-1, Eibar Coa

8. Anak Nakal, 30-1, Julien Leparoux

9. Ready’s Echo, 30-1, John Velazquez

10. Icabad Crane, 20-1, Jeremy Rose

In the Tuesday workout, Big Brown’s early fractions were 23 3/5 for the quarter-mile and 35 1/5 for the three-eighths. He galloped out the six furlongs in 1:14 2/5.

Even better news: how well the horse’s quarter crack is healing. On Friday afternoon, the stainless steel wire sutures will be removed and a patch applied.

Dutrow, analyzing the Belmont, said: “We got the one-hole, as long as we break good, I see us as getting a good trip. There is not a lot of speed in the race. If we need our horse early on, he’s there for us. Depending on how they all come out of the gate together . . . Kent will know what to do. It’s a simple thing.”

Desormeaux added: “I’m obviously going to have to jostle for position coming from the one-hole. It takes me out a little bit out of control.”

Rose, the only other jockey to have ridden Big Brown, recalled the horse’s debut last fall at another New York track.

“The competition is so good at Saratoga,” he pointed out. “They said to stay with the field before you start to widen. At Saratoga, that’s usually not an issue because there’s so many good horses around you. But we found out why they said that to me. He’s very, very talented.”

Big Brown led at every call of the 1 1/16 miles on the grass to win by 11 ¼ lengths after breaking from the inside post.

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The A Team for the Belmont Stakes, according to the so-called racing experts, is comprised of Big Brown and Casino Drive. Both are undefeated in seven races.

Big Brown already has proved he’s the crème de la crème of the 3-year-old crop, winning the first two legs of the Triple Crown. The son of Boundary has scored two impressive victories from extremely outside posts.

First, the colt roared home from post 12 to take the Florida Derby by five lengths recording the third fastest time in the last dozen years for the 1 1/8 miles.

He was the first 3-year-old in the 57-year history of Gulfstream Park’s premier stakes contest to score with only two starts. He also was the first winner in 28 races to triumph beyond post 7.

Then Big Brown scorched the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field from the outside post by 4 ¾ lengths, only the second from post 20; the other was in 1929. Two weeks later, he took the Preakness by five lengths.

Meanwhile, the so-called buzz horse, Casino Drive, has raced just twice, once in Japan last year. He won the Peter Pan Stakes by 2 ½ lengths at Belmont on May 10, but didn’t beat much of a field.

The son of Mineshaft ran the fourth fastest Peter Pan since ’96, going the 1 1/8 miles in 1:47 4/5. But it was way off Oratory’s winning time of 1:46 1/5 in ’05. Only Ready’s Echo from that field go in the Belmont after running third.

So how do the two top contenders shape up?

Big Brown holds the edge on experience, winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, both at longer distances than the Peter Pan.

The Peter Pan always is mentioned as a prep, but the results have been less than encouraging for those entering the Belmont during the past three decades.

There have been only three that won both contests: Coastal, ’79, who defeated third-place finisher Spectacular Bid; Danzig Connection, ’86, victorious over third-place runner Ferdinand; and A. P. Indy, ’92, who missed the first two legs of the Triple Crown because of a badly bruised heel.

Actually, horses than ran in the Preakness did much better. A dozen captured the Belmont, including five that triumphed at Pimlico: Risen Star, ’88; Hanzel, ’91; Tabasco Cat, ’94; Point Given, ’01; and Afleet Alex, ’05.

Casino Drive’s winning margin in two races averaged more than 8 ½ lengths. Big Brown won his five races by an average margin exceeding 7 ¾ lengths.

Casino Drive, foaled March 7, 2005, is a half-brother to ’06 Belmont winner Jazil and ’07 winning filly Rags to Riches. The trio’s dam is Better Than Honour.

Big Brown, foaled April 10, 2005, has connections to Northern Dancer – grand sire Danzig was a son of the ’64 Kentucky Derby-Preakness champ and dam Mien was a granddaughter of the Canadian bred.

Big Brown and Casino Drive have one thing in common: Kent Desormeaux. The jockey has been aboard both in the winner’s circle.

He has ridden Big Brown in all four victories this year. Between the victories at Churchill Downs and Pimlico, Desormeaux piloted Casino Drive to his Peter Pan triumph.

The son of Mineshaft has a new rider, Edgar Prado. “We had many jockeys who wanted to ride him and that was encouraging to us,” Nobutaka Tada, racing manager for owner Hidetoshi Yamamoto, told BloodHorse.com.

“There are so many good jockeys in America, but we decided we wanted a New York-based rider. (Prado) knows pace, has the experience, having won two Belmonts, and he’s a patient rider.”

Prado’s victories came at the expense of two Triple Crown bids: 70-1 shot Sarava scored in ’02 as War Emblem finished off the board and 36-1 Birdstone edged Smarty Jones in ’04.

However, Casino Drive wouldn’t pay nearly much if he whips Big Brown since he assuredly will go off as second choice.

Ironically, Big Brown’s trainer employs Prado on a regular basis, The Daily Racing Form pointed out. According to Equibase statistics, he has ridden 268 of Rick Dutrow’s career winners – 22 percent.

by Bookmaker Racebook