Will the rail post position cost Big Brown the Triple Crown

Except for a short period in the Preakness, Big Brown has not had to race behind and to the inside of other horses in a dirt race. He has not experienced having dirt kicked in his face for a long time in any dirt race. How he will react is anyone's guess. He may not like it and could expend too much energy too early in the Belmont fighting Desormeaux.

This is what Dutrow had to say after the Belmont post position draw: "I just can't see the post getting him beat," Dutrow said. "If he breaks good out of the 1 hole, it will be to our advantage. And if he doesn't, he has plenty of time to get out of there. There's no way a post position is going to get Big Brown beat." Reading between the lines, I think Dutrow wants Big Brown either on or close enough to the lead that a competitor cannot drop over in front of him. If that is not possible, he wants Kent to work his way to the outside as soon as possible. True, staying outside decreases the chances of traffic troubles. But when you have the best horse on paper, you shouldn't be too concerned about early traffic problems in a 12 furlong race.