During the last four or five years, not only did trainer Bob Baffert have a chance, he came so close to actually winning it all. The doubt and the excitement existed until they developed the finish photo. Yet, Touch Gold edged Silver Charm in 1997 and Victory Gallup narrowly defeated Real Quiet in '98. Then, of course, Charismatic nearly pulled it off in '99, which might have been the most memorable Belmont moment.

	Charismatic is examined after pulling up after the 131st Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Charismatic placed 3rd.

Secretariat won the Belmont by 31 lengths. Usually, a run-away is boring. But that was such a powerful, world-record setting performance that to this day whenever I see the tape it kind of takes my breath away again

The Belmont differs from the other two Triple Crown races in size and scope. The distance is different, as is the tradition.

The Kentucky Derby is 1 1/4 miles, farther than virtually any of these horses have ever run. Every four or five years a horse has previously run 1 1/4 miles someplace, maybe in a different country. But for the most part, that's a new distance for everyone.

Then, in the Preakness, they back off a little bit. Due to the shape of the Preakness track, the distance is 1 3/16 miles. This can make a difference. Then, for most horses these days, the Belmont Stakes is the only time in their lives they will run a mile and a half.

It is also a little more laid-back at the Belmont than at the Derby and Preakness. The Belmont is a very old race, but you feel the tradition more in Kentucky and Maryland than in New York City. That is not to put down the Belmont, that is just the way it feels.