The Gods of the Triple Crown exist. They live in the heavens high above Belmont Park and their sole responsibility is to see to it that only legitimate champions sweep the Triple Crown. Their track record is perfect. They were there to see to it that Secretariat blazed into immortality with a 31-length win in the Belmont and that Affirmed would outgame Alydar to the wire. Conversely, they have so protected the specialness of the Triple Crown that those who were not worthy have never overcome their powers. Hey, why do you think War Emblem stumbled at the start last year and Real Quiet was nailed by Victory Gallop at the wire after he seemed home free?

In an ESPN.com exclusive, the Gods have agreed to speak to the media for the first time. Acting as their spokesman is Al, Triple Crown God.

Finley: What should I call you...your holiness, sir, Mr. God of the Triple Crown, what?

Al: Al will do. Just Al.

Finley: What do you think about Funny Cide?

Al: Nice horse. Easy to root for. That Barclay Tagg fella is a little grumpy. No matter, we're as caught up in the story as anyone else. I especially like the thing about the school bus. Those Sackatoga Stable guys are all right with me.

Finley: Are you surprised he's gotten this far?

Al: Not at all. He's a good horse and good horses win the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.

Finley: What about Empire Maker?

Al: Darn shame. We really thought he might be a Triple Crown winner. He had the right stuff. You know, classic breeding, great trainer. He had that aura to him that we liked. You know, the kind that makes you think of greatness.

Finley: Does Funny Cide have that same aura?

Al: No way. But it's not the poor guy's fault. First they sent the dam over to New York to make him a New York bred and then they gelded him. What were they thinking, the sixth at Finger Lakes? I don't think those folks knew how good he could be.

Finley: So before we get to real question at hand–will he do it?–let's back track a little. What happened to Spectacular Bid.

Al: That's Harold's fault.

Finley: Harold?

Al: Yeah, Harold, the Triple Crown God. Cranky fella. He got us all convinced that there had been too many Triple Crown winners within a short period of time and that the accomplishment was being cheapened. So, we stopped the Bid. Never should have done it. What a great horse. Who knew it would be 24 years later and we'd still be looking for another one. Gotta give him some credit, though. That safety pin thing was pretty clever. That was all Harold's idea. He's been transferred. He's now a god of making sure the Red Sox never win a World Series.

Finley: You really cut it close with Real Quiet. What was that all about?

Al: Actually, that was easy. That horse started out in New Mexico. If there was ever a horse we had to stop it was him. But that doesn't mean we couldn't put on a good show. All those people who came out the year before and watched Silver Charm lose, too. Well, we kinda felt sorry for them. Gave them a race to remember, now didn't we. All that matters is that he lost.

Finley: So, what will it be Saturday?

Al: Got to tell you, this one is going to hurt. Personally speaking, I wouldn't mind letting this one win. Like I said, how can you not like this guy. Hey, we immortals have feelings, too.

Finley: But?

Al: But, we've got a job to do. This is serious stuff. We must protect the sanctity of the Triple Crown. The horse was 0-for-3 this year before the Derby and only beat New York breds last year. Does that sound like a horse who belongs in the same class as Citation, Secretariat, Count Fleet, Seattle Slew and that bunch?

Finley: Not really.

Al: Or does he belong in the same class as Real Quiet, War Emblem, Forward Pass, Kauai King...that bunch.

Finley: Yeah, I guess he does.

Al: We gotta stop him.

Finley: What's the scenario?

Al: He'll run well. We'd never go out and embarrass this horse. He's too good. Empire Maker's going to beat him, probably about a length. Everyone will come away saying how tough a horse Funny Cide is and he'll go on and win a zillion dollars before he retires when he's 10. It'll be a nice story.

Finley: Will there ever be a Triple Crown winner again?

Al: Yeah, but be patient. It's going to take the right horse and no one is accuse us of letting a cheapie get by. One will come around. He'll be a grand thing with style and charisma and ability. He'll be a really good 2-year-old and he'll be 2-5 in the Derby when he wins it by 6. He'll be something really special, and I mean special. Believe me, it will be worth the wait.