War Emblem takes a run at a rare Triple Crown win

NEW YORK -- The Kentucky Derby and Preakness were relatively easy for War Emblem. The Belmont Stakes, however, is called "The Test of the Champion" for a reason.

War Emblem makes his run for immortality today, taking on 10 challengers in trying to become thoroughbred racing's 12th Triple Crown champion, and first to sweep the Derby, Preakness and Belmont in 24 years.

At 1 1/2 miles, the Belmont is the longest of the Triple Crown races, the greatest distance at which most horses will compete. Whether War Emblem can sustain his front-running speed for so long is the big question.

Bob Baffert, who trains the speedy black colt, tries for the third time in the past six years to win a Triple Crown. He's confident, claiming the Belmont may suit War Emblem better than the 1 1/4-mile Derby or 1 3-16th-mile Preakness.

"He's not only fast, but he has great stamina," said Baffert. "This horse has been crying out for distance since we got him. He's got a tremendous stride, an efficient stride, and that's very important going a mile-and-a-half.

"I know if he's right, he's the better horse."

With a victory, War Emblem can join Secretariat, Citation, Seattle Slew, Affirmed and six others in the exclusive Triple Crown club. A loss, and War Emblem becomes the 16th Derby-Preakness winner to fail in the Belmont -- the fourth in the past six years.

There's not an opposing trainer willing to concede an inch to War Emblem, starting with D. Wayne Lukas, who saddles Proud Citizen. Second in the Derby and third in the Preakness, Proud Citizen could give Lukas his fifth Belmont win.

"We're going to take the race to War Emblem," said Lukas, seeking a record-setting 14th win in a Triple Crown race. "I wanted to take it to War Emblem in the Derby but this horse wasn't quite up to it at that point. In the Preakness, we got jammed up on the first turn.

"The Belmont is the fairest of the three races."

War Emblem, with Victor Espinoza aboard, is the even-money favorite, while Proud Citizen is next at 5-1. Sunday Break, who missed the Derby and Preakness, is the third choice at 6-1 off his victory in the Peter Pan Stakes.