If Rick Dutrow Jr. is to be believed, a bet at 9-2 for Casino Drive to win the Belmont Stakes is a wasted bet.

“He’s got no chance,” Dutrow told reporters Wednesday. Strong words from the trainer of Big Brown, who is 2-9 to complete the first Triple Crown in 30 years. But there are some horseplayers who are willing to give the Kentucky-bred, Japanese-trained Casino Drive a spin, based on his pedigree and his blazing win by 5-3/4 lengths at the Peter Pan Stakes.

The pedigree’s the thing. Casino Drive is the son of Better Than Honour, the same mare who produced the last two Belmont winners: Jazil and Rags to Riches.

Big Brown’s jockey, Kent Desormeaux, also happened to ride Casino Drive to victory at the Peter Pan. He was a lot more complementary about Casino Drive’s Belmont chances than Dutrow.

“He’s a phenomenal talent. We’ve got our hands full with this one.”

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