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On Verge of History
A champion waits to be crowned in Elmont , New York .
It is a wait that has lasted 30 years — ever since Affirmed outgamed Alydar in three thrilling stretch battles during the spring of 1978.
Big Brown will be the latest three-year-old king in search of a Triple Crown when he goes postward as the likely prohibitive favorite in the final leg of that grueling quest at Belmont Park on Saturday, June 7.
To be sure, the road to the Triple Crown is the one less traveled by. Since Affirmed, 10 horses have tried to complete the elusive trifecta and 10 horses have failed.
Will Big Brown be the 11th?
Saturday Free Play from Belmont Park
All selections (unless otherwise noted) are made in light of the conditions existing at the time of entry. Races taken off the turf, or modified in any way, should be passed.
Saturday, June 7, 2008 BELMONT PARK * Race 5 (50%) * $59,000 Purse * 6.5 Furlongs * Dirt
9-Too Tough Pete (5/1) Fair Odds: 7-2
2-Hawkwood (4/1) Fair Odds: 3-1
8-Grand Treasure (12/1) Fair Odds: 12-1
COMMENTS: TOO TOUGH PETE improved both his early and late pace figures last time — always a good sign, especially with younger horses. And, although he won by just 1 ½ lengths, he did so easily, earning an 81 Beyer figure and –10 LSR. Take away his two route tries, which he isn’t bred for (5.67 Dosage Index), and HAWKWOOD would probably be a strong favorite in this spot. He might be anyway. The Anthony Dutrow trainee has potent early foot and will likely vie for the early advantage, as he is breaking from the rail. He won his penultimate race by six lengths while posting a 90 Beyer and -8 LSR; huge factor today. GRAND TREASURE gets a favorable jockey change and should be closing late.
BETS: WIN on 9.
EXACTA 2,9 with 2,8,9.
EXACTA BOX 2 - 9.
