Big Brown vs. Casino Drive: A Match Race?

After a convincing win at the 2008 Kentucky Derby and an even greater victory at the 2008 Preakness Stakes, Big Brown is a clear favorite to win the 2008 Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown. Or is he?

A new horse has entered into the mix and it's got a lot of people talking...and for good reason. Japanese-owned Casino Drive has the same bloodlines (out of the same mare) as the last two Belmont Stakes winners -- Jazil and Rags to Riches. Add to that an impressive win at the Peter Pan Stakes on May 10th at Belmont Park and you've got the makings of a serious competitor.

But is Big Brown's trainer, Rick Dutrow Jr., worried? If he is he's not letting on that he's the slightest big concerned.

"He has no chance of beating our horse. None," Dutrow told reporters on Wednesday. "I'll be running to the winner's circle when Big Brown hits the quarter pole."

So what does Casino Drive's racing manager, Nobutaka Tada, have to say about Dutrow's confidence in Big Brown?

"It sounds like he likes talk, so let him talk. It's OK. We will see the result."

Unlike Dutrow, Tada says he prefers to keep his feelings to himself and would rather stay quiet on the issue. "It's not the Japanese way," he explains.

The added international competition for the upcoming Belmont Stakes can only mean good things for horse racing fans on a global level. Although much of the attention will continue to focus on Big Brown's quest for the elusive Triple Crown, Casino Drive will surely cause more than a few bettors to wager accordingly.

June 7th is the day, folks. It's looking like Big Brown vs. Casino Drive for the win at Belmont. And if Big Brown wins? Well then that means we get our first Triple Crown winner in 30 years.