Big Brown big favorite to win Triple Crown

PHILADELPHIA, May 19 (UPI) -- Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Big Brown is a big favorite to became horse racing's first Triple Crown champion in 30 years.

The last Triple Crown winner was Affirmed in 1978.

Big Brown is the first 3-year-old since Smarty Jones in 2004 to go into the Belmont Stakes with a chance to sweep the three races.

One possible contender in the Belmont Stakes is Peter Pan Stakes winner Casino Drive.

"He just ran a big race," Big Brown trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. said of Casino Drive. "He's going to have to come back in a month off that race, which isn't going to be easy for him, When horses have to sit a long time, their next race might not be so strong. I'd like to have the horse, but I don't see him beating Big Brown."

Casino Drive is a half-brother to Jazil and Rags to Riches, the winners of the last two Belmont Stakes.