What Smarty Jones faced in 2004 & what Big Brown faces on Saturday....the difference?

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

In 2004, Smarty Jones was undefeated in his quest for the Triple Crown and at 1-5 looked like a lock. Big Brown faces simliar company on Saturday and he'll be the same odds. Is he that much better than Smarty Jones and if not, who looks to be the Birdstone of 2008??? I've been disappointed too many times the last ten years when we get this far, why should things be any different this year?