Saturday, June 7th could be a historic day in the world of horse racing as Big Brown chases the sport’s most prestigious award, the Triple Crown.  Having already won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, Big Brown just needs to come out on top at Belmont to complete the triple crown.  He is already a heavy favorite against the rest of the field.  His top competition looks like it will be coming from Casino Drive, who, at 7/2, is by far the closest competitor according to the odds.  There have been some concerns that Big Brown is tired out, that the close races and travel would impede his run at the crown, but his trainers and  outside experts alike have put to bed any of those worries by watching him this Tuesday morning.  This is the type of event that really transcends a sport like horse racing.  There hasn’t been a Triple Crown winner in nearly 30 years, and now we all get a chance to possibly witness history.  While it takes character to cheer for the underdog, there’s no shame in cheering on greatness.  The world will be watching to see if Big Brown can live up to the enormous expectations that have been placed on him.  Now, let’s look at the odds that are currently posted on each horse scheduled to run in the Belmont Stakes.

Odds to Win the 2008 Belmont Stakes as posted at BodogLife.com

Big Brown   1/3

Casino Drive   7/2

Denis Of Cork   10/1

Tale Of Ekati   20/1

Behindatthebar   25/1

Anak Nakal   40/1

Macho Again   40/1

Readys Image   50/1

Icabad Crane   50/1

Mint Lane   50/1

Spark Candle   50/1

Tomcito  50/1

Popularity: 22% [?]

The Preakness Stakes hits the ground running this Saturday.  The Stakes doesn’t carry quite as much clout as the Kentucky Derby (nothing in the world of horse racing does), but everyone’s eyes will still be on Pimlico this weekend.  Let’s face it, everyone wants a Triple Crown winner.  It’s been a long time.  Nearly 29 years.  In 1979 Affirmed ran away with the crown, and there have been some close calls over the years, but no Triple Crown winners since.  I have to say that 2008’s field looks pretty good for Big Brown.  He’s a heavy, heavy favorite on Saturday.  I’m sure that everyone in the horse racing community wants him to win, and thinks he will win, and they are probably right.  He’s by far the best horse of the group.  Big Brown’s #1 fan this weekend has to be Belmont Park (home of the Belmont Stakes).  Imagine the increased buzz if Big Brown has a chance for the Triple Crown.  Then again, imagine the lack of interest if he finishes 2nd at the Preakness.  For what it’s worth, I’ve always been a fan of getting to see history.  I’m not old enough to remember Affirmed, and I, for one, would like to see a Triple Crown winner in my lifetime.  Go Big Brown, go!  For those of you looking at who to bet on this Saturday, I’ve provided the most recent odds posted at Sportsbook.com.  It’s not always fun to bet on the favorite, so have some character and pick a long-shot, it just might pay off!

Here’s a look at  Sportsbook.com’s odds for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes:

Behindatthebar 7 - 1

Yankee Bravo 20 - 1

Good Luck!

Popularity: 11% [?]

It’s known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”.  From the center of the horse racing universe, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, May 3rd, comes the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby.  The field has been set, so naturally the odds have already been posted for who will win the big race this year.  There are two clear-cut favorite horses in this year’s group with Big Brown and Colonel John both coming in with 4 to 1 odds to win the derby.  After the big two, Pyro is next in line with odds makers giving him a 7 to 1 chance to finish first.  What’s interesting about the race is that, after the top 3, the odds increase drastically.  This is sure to change as money starts to flow in on each horse and rider, but early on it looks like the experts are predicting one of those three to come out on top.  It’s always hard to find a balance between a horse that actually has a chance to win an event with this many top-class animals and a horse that is worth betting on because you’ll get a bigger payout if he or she wins.  In any event, here are the latest odds on who will win the Kentucky Derby as of today, as posted at BodogLife:

Odds to Win the 2008 Kentucky Derby

The Favorites
Colonel John                4/1
Big Brown                    4/1
Pyro                              7/1

The Contenders
Z Fortune                   12/1
Denis of Cork             14/1
Eight Belles                14/1
Visionarie                   16/1

The Middle of the Pack
Adriano                      20/1
Monba                        20/1
Court Vision              20/1
Smooth Air                20/1
Big Truck                   25/1
Tale of Ekati              25/1
Bob Black Jack          25/1
Recapturetheglory   25/1
Gayego                       25/1

The Long Shots
Cool Coal Man           50/1
Anak Nakal                50/1
Z Humor                    50/1
Cowboy Cal                50/1

Bet on the Kentucky Derby and a whole lot more at BodogLife.com!

Popularity: 13% [?]