Bodog Beat

Casino Drive might give Big Brown a run for her money. (AP Images)

While the racing establishment focuses on Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown’s quest for the illusive Triple Crown, there is another story unfolding in the thoroughbred world that is increasingly attracting attention.

Saturday’s Grade 2 $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes, traditionally a prep for the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes, unveiled a Japanese shipper with the credentials to make a big impression on the North American racing scene.

Not only did Peter Pan winner Casino Drive get the victory in only his second lifetime start, he plans on taking his undefeated streak into the 140th Belmont and a potential confrontation with Big Brown.

The Far East invader, who demolished a maiden field in Japan prior to the Peter Pan, won by over five lengths completing the 1 1/8-mile feature in 1:47 4/5 under Kent Desormeaux, who just happens to be the rider of Big Brown.

"Yeah, he can run a lot. It's going to be fun," said Desormeaux, "He's a phenomenal talent, and we've got our hands full with this one." Referring to the Belmont, the rider proclaimed "It's going to be ultimately exciting for all of the fans." Interestingly, a rider hasn’t been named for Casino Drive in the Belmont.

A victory over Big Brown in the final leg of this year’s Triple Crown would give Casino Drive the unprecedented distinction of being the third consecutive Belmont Stakes winner from his dam, Grade 2 heroine Better Than Honour, following Jazil in 2006 and champion filly Rags to Riches, who upset Curlin in last year’s running.

Casino Drive is now perfect from two career tries and like Big Brown, untested in the process. He has earned a chance to test this year’s Derby hero in the Belmont Stakes, a grueling 1 ½ mile event that promises to live up to it’s reputation as racing’s “test of champions.” Saturday’s Preakness remains as Big Brown’s last step before he faces another fresh challenger on the road to the Triple Crown.

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