Will Big Brown join the past Triple Crown champions and win the 2008 Belmont Stakes?

Winning the 2008 Triple Crown series title, perhaps that's easier said than done.

The Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing consists of the three jewels of horse racing namely; the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Winning all three of these thoroughbred horse races is considered the greatest accomplishment of a thoroughbred race horse. And after Big Brown won the first two legs of this year's Triple Crown trail, winning the 140th Belmont Stakes will make him horse racing's new Triple Crown winner.

However, the Triple Crown has become a very rare achievement in recent years. In the 125-year history of the U.S. events, only 11 horses have won the Triple Crown and none has again since 1978.

The grueling schedule of the three races all jammed together in 5 weeks is probably the most difficult task any horse will face in his racing career. Affirmed in 1978 still remains as the last Triple Crown winner. Yes, it's been that long.

Looking to do the same feat is Big Brown, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, when he runs the 1 1/2 -mile track for the 2008 Belmont Stakes on June 7.

Looking back at the previous winners of the prestigious Triple Crown title, the first ever Triple Crown champion was Sir Barton in 1919 followed by Gallant Fox in 1930, Belair Stud's Omaha won in 1935 then two years later War Admiral followed his footsteps.

In 1941, Calumet Farm's Whirl away won the Triple Crown series followed by Count Fleet two years after. Assault won in 1946 before Citation, Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed made history by winning horse racing's holy grail.

Can Big Brown do the same?

Can Big Brown win the 2008 Triple Crown series with a win at the 2008 Belmont Stakes? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Big Brown 1.33

Casino Drive 4.50

Denis Of Cork 11.00

Tale Of Ekati 21.00

Behindatthebar 26.00

Want more odds? Visit Bodog for more horse race betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today's biggest sporting events.

2008 Belmont Stakes Big Brown