When I was three years old, I was watching Sesame Street. Big Brown, on the other hand, is less than a week away from racing in the Kentucky Derby.

This is what makes being a horseplayer so intriguing – and potentially rewarding. At age 3, Big Brown is the equine equivalent of a stud rookie, like Adrian Peterson or Al Horford. But at least they brought years of proven college results with them to the pros for handicappers to judge. Big Brown has been in exactly three races, including his maiden and an allowance.

Taking Big Brown at 5-2 (down from 3-1 last week) is largely an act of faith. His convincing Mar. 29 win at the Florida Derby provides an important piece of objective proof. However, Big Brown’s meteoric rise to the top of the futures market is based on the overwhelming consensus in the racing community that this wonder horse is a vastly superior genetic specimen.