On Saturday at 5:17 p.m., the eyes of most of the world will be on Belmont Park.
For 1½ miles, Kentucky Derby and Preakness romper Big Brown will chase the holy grail of thoroughbred racing, attempting to become the first horse in 30 years to capture the Triple Crown.
Affirmed was the last horse to do it. His 1978 battles with Alydar are legendary.
Big Brown has no archrivals. In five starts, no horse has gotten within 4¾ lengths.
In recent years, Silver Charm, Real Quiet, Charismatic, War Emblem, Funny Cide and Smarty Jones won the Derby and the Preakness but were denied their place in history in the Belmont Stakes.
With the exception of Chicago hero War Emblem, as well as Smarty Jones, I rooted against them all. I loved it when Victory Gallop nailed Real Quiet, and when Funny Cide got stuck in the mud.
Besides history, Big Brown has two factors that may work against him. Unfortunately, one of those isn’t the collective talent of his competition.
The most obvious problem is his damaged hoof. A horse with notoriously bad feet, he developed a quarter crack in his left front. It has healed amazingly well, and he calmed fears that it could affect his effort with a stellar 5-furlong workout Tuesday.
The second issue may be the weather. Saturday’s temperatures may climb into the low 90s, and some horses can’t handle heat, especially over 12 grueling furlongs.
Big Brown is special, but he has benefited by racing against an average group of 3-year-olds. He has a high cruising speed but is rateable. When asked, he simply explodes, regardless of the distance. He may relish Belmont’s 12 furlongs.
Many believe the rail post may hinder him, but with Da’Tara the only horse who hints of tactical speed, he should have no problem finding early position.

dailyherald.com