While most of the attention nationally is on Triple Crown candidate Big Brown, a Japanese colt named Casino Drive has caught some looks in training for Saturday’s Belmont Stakes 2008. After winning the Preakness Stakes in May, the national media has tried to proclaim Big Brown as unbeatable however; Casino Drive has emerged as a possible strong challenger.
Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have installed winning odds on Casino Drive at 5-2 for the Belmont Stakes 2008, second best to Big Brown at 1-3.
“There’s no doubt about it…there will be some smart money on Casino Drive to upset Big Brown,” said Point-Spreads.com thoroughbred racing handicapper Reno Gold. “It’s my opinion the real odds are against Big Brown winning the race. We can’t forget, Smarty Jones a few years back was as bigger favorite than Big Brown. Belmont will be a tough place for Big Brown to win. And Casino Drive has won here recently.”
Casino Drive won the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont by 5 ¾ lengths in May.
It was announced last week (May 28) that Edgar Prado will jockey Casino Drive in the Belmont Stakes. Prado is a two time winner in the race , first while riding Sarava in 2002 as a 70-1 longshot defeating 6-5 favorite War Emblem. In 2004, Prado guided Birdstone to a 36-1 upset of previously undefeated and 3-5 favorite Smarty Jones.
Belmont Stakes 2008 Betting Odds at Sportsbook.com
Big Brown 1/3
Casino Drive 5/2
Denis of Cork 15/2
Tale of Ekati 10/1
Behindatthebar 20/1
Macho Again 20/1
Mint Lane 30/1
Tomcito 30/1
