The Sports Bizzo

By Toph…

(Editor’s note:  Casino Drive has been scratched.)

Today, I’m actually having the 1st running of The Toph Steaks. Since lunch is at Espetus, and dinner is a Ruth’s Chris. All this steak will set the tone for a beautiful Saturday in front of the 42″ watching the 140th running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY.

First, let’s talk about the two things that affect us the most.

Big Brown is looking to be the first triple crown winner in what seems like ever. Winning the Triple Crown is not something that happens often. We haven’t seen a Triple Crown winner in the past 30 years. We’ve seen some horses come close; Smarty Jones come close in 2004, Funny Cide the year before that and War Emblem the year before that. Now, it’s Big Brown’s turn. In what could be the most exciting thing to happen to horse racing, I might be one of few who hopes it doesn’t.

And, that is because of Macho Again. Who knew we’d be talking about Macho this late in the season? My wife, and the family are all in cloud 9, as this horse looks to improve from a Preakness where he ended up second to Big Brown. No one gives Macho much hope, but judging from the Preakness, that may be a mistake. Macho got out quick, but was then trapped. Julien Leparoux did a great job of getting him out on the last leg, and passing everyone but Big Brown. Of course, we’ve been asking just what might have been had Macho not gotten trapped. Well, the Belmont will give us an answer, because Garrett Gomez will be riding him. Garrett Gomez is good. How good? We’ll see.

Let’s get to the post positions, odds and to my bets, if I get them in.

1. Big Brown 2-5

2. Guadalcanal 50-1

3. Macho Again 20-1

4. Denis of Cork 12-1

5. Casino Drive 7-2

6. Da’ Tara 30-1

7. Tale of Ekati 20-1

8. Anak Nakal 30-1

9. Ready’s Echo 30-1

10. Icabad Crane 20-1

I’d put $5 to win on Macho Again 20-1, and $5 to win on Icabad Crane 20-1. My pick to win it all, Big Brown 2-5, I’d put $20 on to win. A $5 exacta box on Big Brown 2-5 and Macho Again 20-1. Another $5 exacta box on Big Brown 2-5 and Anak Nakal 30-1. A $5 Exacta Box on Macho Again 20-1 and Denis of Cork 12-1.  A $5 exacta on Big Brown 2-5 and Denis of Cork 12-1. A $2 trifecta box on Big Brown 2-5, Macho Again 20-1, Denis of Cork 12-1. Lastly, my $2 superfecta box pick Big Brown 2-5, Macho Again 20-1, Denis of Cork 12-1 and Anak Nakal 30-1.

Happy betting everyone… and GO MACHO!!!