On Second Thought....

Actually, I think Big Brown's going to choke in the Belmont, be eased up going into the final turn, finish last, and miss the Triple Crown.

Yeah, might have called that one a bit early.

Big Brown Said, "Have Some More Pie."

I think Big Brown wins the Belmont on Saturday. If I were a betting man (and I am, just not usually on horses), I'd bet that we see the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years. And I think that this time, it would be good for horse racing if it happened. There's more focus on horse racing now than at any time I can remember (due in large part to tragedy, see: Barbaro, Eight Belles), and in past years (with Smarty Jones, Funny Cide, War Emblem, etc.), I've argued that a loss in the Belmont actually enhances the sport. The Belmont only matters to the general public if a horse as a shot at the Triple Crown, and the Triple Crown only matters because its been so long since the last one. Every year removed from Affirmed just added to the anticipation of the next Triple Crown winner, and that was only way for horse racing to garner any real attention from the casual sports fan. That tease is what brought the casual fan back to the Kentucky Derby the next year, and the year after that, and the year after that. Thirty years is along time to tease the audience; at some point you have to have a payoff, otherwise people will just tune out altogether (take note, Lost producers). I think that payoff is Saturday.

(Oh, and Big Brown didn't say that.)