Thoughts on Casino Drive's Peter Pan win?

Question

What are your thoughts on Casino Drive's performance in the Peter Pan? He looks to me like a dangerous Belmont rival for Big Brown.

Answer 1

I would not go so far to say this means he wins the Belmont, especially not easily. That is a completely preposterous statement given that we don't even know how well Big Brown will do in the Preakness. What it means is that Big Brown's chances just shot back down to below average for a Derby winner. I can't give the edge to either horse right now until I see how well Big Brown does in back to back races.

The closing kick was big - but remember, Big Brown usually puts on the show about a furlong before the end of the race, so it'll be a closer versus stretch leader scenario, kind of like Curlin last year in the Preakness and the JCGC.

I do think that this rules out pretty much any competitor besides those two in the Belmont given that Big Brown wins the Preakness. I don't see any horse getting in front of BOTH of them.

Thomas: I would give Casino Drive a fair chance of being better than Big Brown overall as a horse. Certainly his performance was up to par with Big Brown's big races. Also, I think Curlin is much more talented than either of them at this point, so it will be a match up of everyone against Curlin if anything.

Answer 2

WOW!  He blew away that field.  And to see his kick at the end of the race, he looks much stronger at the end than Big Brown does.  And Big Brown will be coming into the Belmont tired.  I'm thinking Casino Drive wins the Belmont easily and denies Big Brown the Triple Crown.  Things are set up to see an awesome Belmont!

Answer 3

This horse is phenomanal! I am a Rags to Riches fan and have been waiting for this guy and I guess it was worth it. Big Brown will probably win the Preakness by like 10 lengths (which will take sooooooooo much out of him) and then in the Belmont Casino Drive will be fresh and ready to blow away the field. Casino Drive 1) Likes Belmont and 2)Has a family of Belmont winners. He is my Belmont pick no matter what Big Brown does!

Answer 4

I agree casino drive romped home, let,s not jump to the conclusion that he,s better than big brown cause he,s not...

we won,t get a good representation of who,s better in the near future for the very simple reason ,big brown will go into the longest distance race of the 3 triple crown races after running 3 times in 5 weeks, which is stupid and the main reason we have,nt seen a triple crown winner in 30 years and may not see a triple crown winner for a hundred years if they don,t spread the 3 crown races out alot....period

therefore, the last week of October ring a bell, yes the Breeder,s Cup, that,s where we,ll see who,s the best out of browny and casino......both rested and rearing to go for the 4 million dollar prize, if i,m wrong by what i,m saying please respond....

Thomas the handicapper

Answer 5

I agree with you!! He was fantastic.I had 2.00 on him to show yesterday and he was great.

Answer 6

I wouldn't necessarily say that Casino Drive is a better horse than Big Brown, but I think he has a good shot a him in the Belmont -- he obviously likes the track and will be fresh ... and he was basically born to win the Belmont.  In any other race, I'd question his experience and the competition that he's faced, but with his family, he's a definite threat.  I'd love to see a Triple Crown winner, but three Belmont winners in a row out of Better than Honour would be a fine consolation.

Answer 7

Casino Drive sure looked impressive, but he did have a rabbit in there for him (Spark Candle) He should be nice and ready for the Belmont whereas Big Brown might be a little worn out.