Can Big Brown win the Triple Crown title at the 2008 Belmont Stakes?

That is the question many horse racing fans are probably asking themselves heading to the 140th Belmont Stakes, with Big Brown, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, only a victory away from the Triple Crown title.

Of course, the top thoroughbreds of the nation will be out to challenge Big Brown at Belmont Park and try to win the last leg of this year’s Triple Crown trail. And while this year’s ONLY Triple Crown contender has been dominant during the last two races, a crack on his left front hoof instantaneously created doubts if Big Brown can really capture horse racing’s holy grail.

Big Brown’s challengers at the 2008 Belmont Stakes are expected to include Casino Drive, Denis of Cork, Icabad Crane, Macho Again, Anak Nakal, Tomcito and possibly Ready’s Echo and Spark Candle.

Looking at Big Brown’s competitors, Casino Drive looks to be the one to give the 2008 Triple Crown series contender a lot of problems at Belmont Park. The colt is the winner of two lifetime starts with his debut taking place at the Kyoto Racecourse with 1 1/8 miles stretching over a standard dirt track.

Dennis of Cork, who finished third at the recently held Kentucky Derby, was the final horse to earn a spot for the starting gate at Churchill Downs. At odds of better than 27-1, he surprised everybody with a third-place finish. The colt is looking to do the same thing at Belmont Park.

Macho Again, another thoroughbred to challenge Big Brown, turned in some impressive exercise sessions over a fast surface under the Twin Spires. Trainer Dallas Stewart said that Macho Again jogged in his first visit to the track since the Preakness. The son of Macho Uno overcame traffic problems to finish second, 5 1/4 lengths behind Big Brown at Pimlico.

Stewart said that the colt will compete for the 2008 Belmont Stakes if all continues to go well. Macho Again stands at 3-3-0 in nine races, and has earned $343,761.

The undefeated Big Brown is STILL the heavy favorite to become the 12th Triple Crown series winner. The colt has won all five of his races by a combined 39 lengths, including the Derby by 4 3/4 lengths and the Preakness Stakes by 5 lengths.

I can’t blame you if you’d still put a lot of cash on Big Brown’s back.

Can Big Brown win the 2008 Triple Crown series with a win at the 2008 Belmont Stakes? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Big Brown 1.33

Casino Drive 4.50

Denis Of Cork 11.00

Tale Of Ekati 21.00

Behindatthebar 26.00

Want more odds? Visit Bodog for more horse race betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today’s biggest sporting events.

2008 Belmont Stakes Big Brown