The other runners from the Kentucky Derby will have had five weeks to recover from the strenuous 1¼-mile race prior to the Belmont while Big Brown will be making his third start in five weeks. But Desormeaux, at least, doesn’t believe that that edge will be enough to erase the eight-plus lengths that Big Brown conquered them by in the Run for the Roses.

At first blush, Big Brown’s prospects in the Belmont appear rosy. He finished strong in the Preakness even though he never felt Desormeaux’s whip. His pedigree (by Boundary, out of the Nureyev mare Mien) also has important stamina sources that will help him navigate the testing 1½ mile distance.

Coupled with his great natural cruising speed and the powerful acceleration that he used to spurt clear of his rivals at the top of the stretch in both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, he’s going to be very tough to run down in the Belmont Stakes.

But Desormeaux, who saw his Triple Crown bid evaporate in the last few strides before the wire in 1998, when Victory Gallop ran down Real Quiet, isn’t taking anything for granted. And his concern is focused on one horse: Casino Drive.

Horses that have won both Kentucky Derby and Preakness (x-won triple crown). 2008 — Big Brown 2004 — Smarty Jones 2003 — Funny Cide 2002 — War Emblem 1999 — Charismatic 1998 — Real Quiet 1997 — Silver Charm 1989 — Sunday Silence 1987 — Alysheba 1981 — Pleasant Colony 1979 — Spectacular Bid 1978 — x-Affirmed 1977 — x-Seattle Slew 1973 — x-Secretariat 1971 — Canonero II 1969 — Majestic Prince 1968 — Forward Pass 1966 — Kauai King 1964 — Northern Dancer 1961 — Carry Back 1958 — Tim Tam 1948 — x-Citation 1946 — x-Assault 1944 — Pensive 1943 — x-Count Fleet 1941 — x-Whirlaway 1937 — x-War Admiral 1936 — Bold Venture 1935 — x-Omaha 1932 — Burgoo King 1930 — x-Gallant Fox 1919 — x-Sir Barton

“He’s the only one who can even entertain Big Brown’s stride,” he said Saturday. “It’s going to be exciting. … (I) can’t wait to find out what happens.”

He is not alone. Virtually the entire racing world will be watching when the gates spring open for the Belmont Stakes, rooting for Big Brown to finish off the Triple Crown and give racing a much needed lift in the wake of the filly Eight Belles’ death in the Kentucky Derby.

A thrilling finish, with two horses battling through the stretch and Big Brown triumphing in a photo finish would  make an emphatic statement about what is good about racing, just as Eight Belles’ tragic breakdown highlighted some of its shortcomings.

Michael Iavarone, the head of Big Brown’s majority owner, IEAH Stables, was thinking along those lines after the Preakness.

“I think the issue with Eight Belles not only affected us but it affected the whole industry,” he said. “I think it’s important now for thoroughbred racing to come together as a whole when you have a horse like Big Brown with a chance to make history.”

MORE FROM HORSE RACING

Horse racing Section Front

Travers Stakes could soothe Mott's misery DRF: Curlin impresses in main-track drill Exercise rider injured at Saratoga dies Kentucky Derby winning filly Genuine Risk dies Jockey Club calls for Kentucky Derby field study Latest horse racing videos Vote: When will we see next Triple Crown winner? Interactive: Triple Crown winners, near misses   Sound off on horse racing message boards Equibase: Top horses, by earnings Horse racing Section Front   Add Horse racing headlines to your news reader: