WASHINGTON - When Big Brown attempts to complete a sweep of the Triple Crown, he will face some daunting precedents. Since Affirmed last accomplished the feat in 1978, 10 horses have come into the Belmont Stakes after winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. Although some of these horses are ranked among the all-time great Thoroughbreds, all of them failed at Belmont Park.

NEW YORK - The first Belmont Stakes I attended was the 1978 epic between Affirmed and Alydar, where a Triple Crown was won for the third time in six years and the 11th time overall. Thirty years later, we're all still waiting for the 12th.

Since then, 10 horses have walked into the Belmont Stakes starting gate with a chance to become the next, and every one of them lost. Will the 11th time be the charm? It could, but I wouldn't bet on it, especially at odds of 2-5.

People in the racing business hope every year to see a Triple Crown winner who can stimulate the public's and the media's interest in the sport. Big Brown's bid to make history has indeed attracted widespread attention, but it has often been attention that the industry doesn't want, because the 2008 Triple Crown has sometimes shown racing at its worst. The series began with a filly, Eight Belles, dying on the track at Churchill Downs, and it is likely to end with the dismaying sight of owner Michael Iavarone and trainer Rick Dutrow celebrating in the winner's circle at Belmont Park.

ELMONT. N.Y. - By now anyone paying the slightest bit of attention will understand that Kent Desormeaux has been there before, on the brink of a Triple Crown, with the sports world breathing down his neck and wondering how it all will turn out.

ELMONT, N.Y. - The best thing about visiting the Barclay Tagg barn at Belmont Park is hanging around until they give the pony a bath.

The pony is Funny Cide.

Five years ago this weekend, Funny Cide was the toast of the sporting world, poised to become the 12th winner of the Triple Crown after exciting victories in the 2003 versions of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

Then it rained all day on Belmont Day and a tightly wound Funny Cide could do no better than third behind Empire Maker, a colt he had beaten in the Derby.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - For anyone paying attention to the history of Thoroughbred racing over the past 40 years, it has become painfully apparent that the West has no clue when it comes to closing the deal on the Triple Crown. Best leave it to the New Yorkers, at least this time around.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - There is no secret handshake. All dues were paid long ago. Meetings are rarely called, and attendance is not really required, especially since the agenda has remained unchanged for, oh, about 30 years or so.

NEW YORK - What are Big Brown's chances of winning the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown? To bet him at likely odds of 2-5, you have to believe he is 70 percent or higher to win the race, and it's pretty hard to make a case that he's that probable a winner. In fact, the historical record suggests the number is so much lower that you're practically obliged to bet against him - even if you really like him.

NEW YORK - The 140th Belmont Stakes, besides being a bid for Triple Crown immortality by Big Brown, will be the last leg of a $1 million guaranteed pick six, a $1 million guaranteed pick four, and offer win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, superfecta, and grand-slam wagering. If that's not enough action for you, however, there are some intriguing oddball proposition bets on the race being offered at Las Vegas racebooks and on Internet gambling sites.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Veterinarian Chuck Jenkins, on call early Wednesday morning at Hollywood Park, knew how bad it was when he responded to the emergency call from the Carla Gaines barn and saw Nashoba's Key standing on three legs. Her fourth, the left hind, was twisted and dangling.