Industry banking on Triple Crown win

Standing just outside Barn 2 at Belmont, Big Brown poses serenely. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner is at ease with the buzz on every side of him and the weight of racing history riding on his tender left front hoof.

Big Brown heads to the starting gate on Saturday for the Belmont Stakes with a chance at becoming the 12th horse ever to win racing's Triple Crown, and the first since Affirmed in 1978.

It's a feat that used to be among the most celebrated in sports, and past winners have become worldwide sensations.

The industry hopes it's Big Brown's turn, if only to return some luster to a sport that could desperately use a public-relations boost.

The pieces, it seems, are in place.

The scene around the barn Friday morning evoked racing's golden age, when champions like Citation shared the headlines with Joe DiMaggio and the sport's owners were blue-blooded American royalty.

Yet it's the scene over at the Belmont track a few hours later that paints a more realistic picture of the current state of horse racing in America. A smattering of fans were scattered like so much confetti around the massive grandstand, scurrying to get their bets in on races run by horses who will never be confused with Secretariat or Affirmed.

Belmont is hardly the only track with plenty of good seats still available.

With the proliferation of other gambling outlets--from the state lottery to church bingo to Indian and riverboat casinos--the track no longer is the only place where you can press your luck.