A fan favorite is running at the Saratoga Race Course this weekend. American Pharoah is currently racing's only megastar, but as Matt Hunter reports, the appropriately named The Big Beast has a big following at The Spa.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- The Big Beast is, well, big -- but not necessarily beastly.

"I have never really measured him, but he's either 18.2 or 18.3 [hands high], which is a very big horse," said his trainer, Tony Dutrow. "He does not use that in any mean kind of way, any aggressive kind away. He is a very kind horse."

Standing north of 18 hands, the 4-year-old colt towers above the rest of Dutrow's barn.

"Usually when they are that big they are not nearly, nearly as athletic as he is," he said.

"As big as it is, you never thought he would be a horse that would be a sprinter and obviously, that's what it is. He's very fast, definitely," John Velazquez, Big Beast's jockey.

The Big Beast proved his might as a 3-year-old, winning two races at Saratoga last summer.

"The Big Beast likes it here at Saratoga. He likes the surface of the main track," Dutrow said.

Best known for his girth, he's also turned heads for his affinity for his stable pony, something that was on display when the two entered the winner's circle side-by-side after last year's King's Bishop.

"He is really a handful, but with his pony, he is nice, he is calm," Dutrow said. "He does like that pony, he really does. That pony goes everywhere with him and that is his favorite pony."

Blending a hulking presence with his quirks, The Big Beast has emerged as one of The Spa's fan favorites.

The Big Beast returns to action in Saturday's Grade I Vanderbilt. If he makes it three-for-three at the Summer Place to Be, his connections know they'll hear more than a few cheers from the grandstand.

"Hopefully he can come back duplicate those kind of races he had last year and we should be in good shape," said Velazquez.

The Big Beast is one of seven horses entered in tomorrow's 6-furlong Vanderbilt Stakes.

If he runs well, Dutrow hopes to bring him back for The Forego on Travers Day.