By the second race of the run of any Triple Crown series of horse racing, I admittedly do not look at any statistics, odds, or what-have-yous. Nor do I consider what I thought of the Derby winner’s pedigree, name, or racing history before he brought home the roses. I merely check the Baltimore weather like a maniac every five minutes, and worry that the Triple Crown favorite can handle whatever the Pimlico track can give him.

Because I want to see another Triple Crown winner, damn it!

This morning, however, the morning of The 133rd Running Of The Preakness Stakes, I feel intensely encouraged by the latest reports. Especially Ray Kerrison of The New York Post’s official Preakness Pick for Fox Sports:

BALTIMORE—Barring accident, bad luck or bad karma, Big Brown will win the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico tomorrow and surge forward to sweep the Triple Crown, a feat unsighted in 30 years.

Big Brown will face 12 rivals of varying class and merit but none close to him in speed, brilliance and sheer superiority. Only the unforeseen may deprive him of victory and the blanket of Black-Eyed Susans.

And, although he concludes his piece with the cautionary words, “As it shapes up, this Preakness may be more for the history books than making a score at the windows. Just pray they get through the day without incident,” referring to the shadow cast over Big Brown’s Derby victory by the death of filly Eight Belles, I refuse to think superstitiously on this day. I am merely thinking positive thoughts and keeping my eye on Big Brown’s prize: The Three Crowns.

Bring them home, Big Brown…

[Kent Desormeaux rides Big Brown to victory, winning The 134th Kentucky Derby, 2008. Photo Credit: John Gress / Reuters.]

Just like He did…