NEW YORK — Before Big Brown can make a run at winning the Triple Crown, his slightly cracked left front hoof needs some final work.

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner is wearing a second set of stainless steel sutures on the inside of his hoof. They've allowed Big Brown to still gallop around Belmont Park while giving the hoof healing time.

Hoof specialist Ian McKinlay planned to attach an acrylic and fiberglass patch to Big Brown's hoof Monday, the final step in the repair process for Saturday's Belmont Stakes.

The patch would go on Tuesday. It's an adhesive that sets up in five minutes.