A Look at the Horses in the 140th Running of the Belmont Stakes

We all know about the super horse Big Brown and his quest for the Triple Crown but what about the other horses in the 2008 Belmont Stakes? Here is a rundown of all the horses in field and what to expect when they hit the track at 6:25 and run 1 1/2 Miles on Saturday.

1: Big Brown

What to like: A lot. The horse has dominated in his five starts winning by at least 4 3/4 lengths in all of his starts and has won by as many as 11. Faced, and made easy work of, Macho Again, Denis of Cork, Da' Tara, Tale of Ekati, Anak Nakal, and Icabad Crain in previous races. Can save ground in the test of champions with his rail post. Is the horse to beat.

What not to like: In a horse race, anything can happen. He is breaking next to the biggest question mark in the field in Guadalcanal. Big Brown is in the number one post position and has the chance to get in early traffic congestion. Kent Desormeaux choked under pressure with Real Quiet a decade ago. Big Browns quarter cracks are nothing to take lightly in the "Test of Champions". As good of a horse as he is, it is hard to make money with morning line odds of 2/5. If you have to play him, its best to play exotics such as trifectas or exactas.

2. Guadalcanal

What to like: He is the only horse in the race that has run 1 1/2 miles. He nearly won in that race charging from six back in the stretch to lose by a nose. According to brisnet.com's analysis of his last race, showed late pace speed of 111 which is the best in the entire field. If Guadalcanal wins, it may be this era's version of Upset defeating Man O' War nearly a century ago.

What not to like: He has never won a race in five tries. Facing much stiffer competition as he challenges the cream of the three year old crop. Is by far the biggest question mark in the whole field. Overall speed figures pale in comparison to other horses in the field. Has earned a paltry $16,000 in a race that has a purse of $1,000,000. Last time, when he showed a burst of speed at the end of the race, he ran on grass. How will he respond on a dirt track?

3. Macho Again

What to like:Finished a strong number 2 against Big Brown in the Preakness Stakes last time out. The Holy Bull decedent a closer and could make things interesting if he can withstand the grueling test of 1 1/2 Miles.

What not to like: Was beaten by over 5 lengths against Big Brown last time out. Has been inconsistent in his five lifetime starts showing flashes of brilliance along with duds.

4:Denis of Cork

What to like: In 4 starts, has two wins and finished third in Kentucky Derby after a hard charge in run for the roses. Is 1-1 in races on an off track and conditions call for rain tomorrow. Rested after his attempt in the Derby means he has had less wear and tear then the favorite.

What not like: Can he go the distance? His grandsire, Harlan, was a known sprinter. Beaten by Big Brown by over 8 lengths in the Derby.

5: Casino Drive

What to like: Is the half brother to the last two winners of the Belmont Stakes. Has been pointed to this race throughout his young life. Dominated his opponents in his maiden race and in the Belmont prep race, the Grade 2 Peter Pan, in his only two starts. He is used to the Belmont track training there for a over a month and winning there in his only race stateside. Shows enormous potential but this is by far his strongest field that he has faced so far. Edgar Prado, his jockey, has twice upended bids for the triple crown in his career.

What not to like: His strange training regime has raised eyebrows. In the Peter Pan, was aided by a stablemate, Spark Candle, who set the pace and will be without his help this time out. How will he react to the big crowd at Belmont Park who are sure to be loud and looking for Big Brown to make history on Saturday afternoon.

*******Update: As of 1:30 pm Casino Drive's status is in question as he may have to be scratched due to injury according to drf.com***********************

6: Da' Tara

What to like: Will likely be the early pace setter. His only win came at a 1 1/8.

What not to like: Has not won since early January. Only one win in 7 career starts. Alan Garcia, a regular rider in New York with a good track record this meet, is making his first start in the marquee event at Belmont. Finished 22 lengths behind Big Brown in the Florida Derby.

7. Tale Of Ekati

What to like: Has ran two times at Belmont winning both starts. Outran 16 other horses at the Kentucky Derby after early traffic trouble. Well rested with his last start coming in the Derby. Has had exceptional workouts leading up to the race. His last start was over a month ago in the run for the roses and is probably fresh and ready for this race.

What not to like: Finished 11 lengths behind Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby.

8. Anak Nakal

What to like: The offspring of Victory Gallop who ran down Real Quite a decade ago in his bid for the Triple Crown. Won un his only start at Belmont Park.

What not to like: Finished 15 lengths behind Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby at a distant seventh. Is 0-4 this year without even coming in the money in any of his starts as a 3 year old.

9. Ready's Echo:

What to like: Came on strong in a late push in the Peter Pan last race to finish third. Trained by Todd Pletcher who won with filly Rags to Riches last year. In four lifetime starts, has been in the money in all four.

What not to like: Was outrun by Casino Drive in the Peter Pan by over 6 lengths.

10. Icabad Crain

What to like: In five starts has won three and finished third twice. Had a strong showing in the Preakness making up ground in the stretch finishing 3rd. Trainer has stated that he feels that horse has matured a lot since he ran in the Preakness. One win in one start on a muddy track with rain in the forecast tommoroow

What not to like: Was beaten by Big Brown nearly 6 lengths in the Preakness.