Big Brown and Belmont Stakes - Bodog Triple Crown Odds

It’s almost time for the 140th running of the Belmont Stakes, and millions of fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see if Big Brown can capture the first Triple Crown win in 30 years. In case you don’t know, the Triple Crown consists of the Belmont Stakes, Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Big Brown has already won the other two this year.

But it won’t be an easy task, as the lengthy Belmont track has earned the race the nickname of “Test of the Champion.” The distance, and the stamina required, makes timing and positioning a critical factor. But if anyone can do it, it’s Big Brown.

BIG BROWN

The three-year-old thoroughbred phenom is undefeated in five career starts. He captured the Kentucky Derby win from the #20 post, and that feat hadn’t been accomplished since 1929. If he wins on Saturday, he’ll become only the 11th horse in history to sweep the series.

Big Brown will running from the #1 post, which is generally considered the least desirable spot in the race. If he hesitates even slightly, he risks getting lost in the shuffle as the field moves to the inside of the track. The only good news is that this position is the shortest distance on the 1 ½ mile track.

Big Brown will also come into the race with a three-quarter-inch crack on his left front hoof. The crack has been stitched together with steel wire, and an acrylic and fiberglass patch will be applied on the day of the race. According to his handlers, his attitude and gait have remained unaffected. It should also be noted that Big Brown had the same problem back in the fall.

Affirmed was the last horse to win the Triple Crown, and that happened way back in 1978. The only three Triple Crown contenders to reach the Belmont undefeated are Majestic Prince (1969), Seattle Slew (1977) and Smarty Jones (2004).

CASINO DRIVE

The Japanese-owned racehorse Casino Drive is regarded as the toughest opponent for Big Brown. Unbeaten at 2-0, the horse will be racing in the #5 spot and ridden by Edgar Prado, the jockey who has piloted two of the last three Triple Crown spoilers.

But the owner of Big Brown is unfazed, and he even sent a message to Casino Drive’s Japanese owners. “When they see Big Brown, they’ll know that Godzilla is real.”

BODOG ODDS FOR THE BELMONT STAKES

In all, Bodog is offering 22 different wagers for the running of the Belmont Stakes. Here are just a few examples, with the number in front of the horse‘s name being their post position.

Odds to win the 2008 Belmont Stakes

(1) Big Brown 1/3

(2) Guadalcanal 40/1

(3) Macho Again 30/1

(4) Denis of Cork 10/1

(5) Casino Drive 10/3

(6) Da’ Tara 33/1

(7) Tale Of Ekati 16/1

(8) Anak Nakal 40/1

(9) Ready’s Echo 40/1

(10) Icabad Crane 35/1

Odds to win WITHOUT Big Brown (NOTE: You win if your horse wins outright or finished second behind Big Brown)

(2) Guadalcanal 9/1

(3) Macho Again 9/1

(4) Denis of Cork 4/1

(5) Casino Drive 11/10

(6) Da’ Tara 10/1

(7) Tale Of Ekati 6/1

(8) Anak Nakal 10/1

(9) Ready’s Echo 10/1

(10) Icabad Crane 9/1

Will Big Brown win the Triple Crown?

Yes -300

No +220

For more betting action, check out the following:

2008 World Series of Poker - Prop Bets from Bodog

Bodog Casino Download - BodogLife Software Download

Big Brown and Belmont Stakes - Bodog Triple Crown Odds