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Contenders for the 2008 Belmont Stakes

In this article Jimmy Boyd takes a look at the early Belmont Stake contenders who will by vying to end Big Brown's Triple Crown bid. Horses did not scare off at the Preakness Stakes as a 13 horse field left us only one short of the maximum allowed and I don't expect anybody to be backing down in the Belmont Stakes either as they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Here are those early contenders"

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Casino Drive – He will likely be Big Brown's toughest competition. He has only run twice in his young career, but his first start was an 11.5 lengths win in Japan in February. He then came over the U.S. with the sole purpose of winning the Belmont Stakes. In his only North American appearance, he murdered a decent field at the Peter Pan Stakes in Belmont. Usually there is much more skepticism over a 2-win horse, just like there was for Big Brown before the Derby being a 3-win horse. But Casino Drive is the half brother to both Jazil and Rags to Riches. Both of those horses have won the last two Belmont Stakes.

Denis of Cork – The Illinois Derby winner ran third at the Kentucky Derby, but finished nowhere near Big Brown or Eight Belles. He can't beat Big Brown if Big Brown runs at his best, but his freshness after sitting out the Preakness definitely weighs in his favor. Any stumble by Big Brown and Denis of Cork could be the horse to take down the favorite.

Take of Ekati – This horse finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby and like Denis of Cork will hope that sitting out the Preakness is the right recipe to taking down Big Brown. This horse has all kinds of potential but it has not been fully realized and may never be. He chased down the Juvenile champion War Pass to win the Wood Memorial, but was disappointing prior to that. He was a 37-1 longshot at the Derby and those who like him will get him at a great price again here.

Anal Nakal – This is the last of the Derby horses currently considering the Belmont. This Nick Zito horse showed all sorts of potential last November when he took down a solid group in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, but his four starts after that have been less than impressive. This seventh place Derby horse doesn't appear to have what it takes to win, but could manage the top three for a nice payday.

Macho Again – Son of former Juvenile champ Macho Uno is coming on strong at just the right time. He ran a solid second at the Preakness and will be a nice value bet on race day. You have to like his chances against everyone but Big Brown.

Tomcito – This horse may have a slight advantage in that he has already won at the 1.5 mile distance this year – something that few other Belmont horses have ever been able to stake claim to. He was dominant in Peru with four wins and a second in five starts but since heading north he's had it rough. A third in the Florida Derby and a seventh at the Peter Pan Stakes left him without enough earning to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. If he rediscovers his form, his endurance could make him a great longshot pick.

Icabad Crane – After hanging at the back of the Preakness field a half mile into the race, Icabad Crane turned up the heat to finish third in the Preakness Stakes. His jockey, Jeremy Rose, knows what it takes to win the Belmont having done it aboard Afleet Alex just three years ago.

Of course if you don't like any of these horses the Big Brown Odds are available for you to bet on as well.

May 22nd, 2008