Churchill to show Belmont on Big Board, give away T-shirts

Times have changed since 2008, when it was Big Brown gunning for a Triple Crown on Belmont Stakes day. Now, at least at Churchill Downs, the focus is on Big Board.

The track will focus its massive video screen on Belmont Park while California Chrome contests the final Triple Crown leg at 6:52 p.m. Saturday. Churchill Downs promises picks from handicapper Jill Byrne before the race.

The Downs' feature earlier that day will be the Grade III Early Times Mint Julep Handicap, which goes off a 5:05 p.m. as Race 8 of 11.

The first 1,000 fans at Churchill Downs on Saturday will receive a voucher for a free California Chrome T-shirt. The design is simple — a white shirt with the purple and green "DAP" silks worn by the Kentucky Derby winner.

Churchill will also serve a $3 "Triple Crown Dog" and "Belmont Jewel," the race's official drink made from Woodford Reserve bourbon, lemonade and pomegranate juice. Other special spirits include the "Triple Crown Cocktail," with Grey Goose vodka, orange liqueur and blood orange juice, as well as a "Chrome in the Big Apple" with Grey Goose Citron, rasberry liqueur and sparkling apple juice.

Jonathan Lintner can be reached at (502) 582-4199; follow him on Twitter @JonathanLintner.