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First let me say I have never seen anything like that in sports.  Eight Belles will always be a champion to me. The Cali horses were what I thought they were and Col. John beating no one in the Santa Anita gave way to many people false hope.

Big Brown showed his amazing talent in the allowance race and blew apart a talented field in the Florida Derby yet many were still looking for their Derby horse?  How obvious does it have to be...when was the last time a horse went 4 wide around Churchill and win by 5 lengths???  Awesome performance...

Keep blogging, Jason - you are a class act, and I'm happily eating crow right along with you regarding Big Brown, his ability to overcome the post and especially Dutrow and his "exuberant belief" in his horse.  Maybe things happen for a reason - Colonel John was out of the race in the first 10 strides.  He did not - in my opinion - get a good ride or trip - but I doubt it would have changed the winner.

Eating crow would be a lot easier without me being so choked up - even today - about Eight Belles.  My heart breaks for her, Mr. Porter and especially Larry Jones.  I've never seen an injury occur like that in a race - let alone pulling up - in all my 40 plus years.  I hope I never see another.  She was a grand filly and will be missed.

I liked Big Brown and Eight Belles, and would have been happy no matter which of them won. What a valiant and glorious filly. There are no words for how heartsick I am.

I am so saddened by the death of Eight Belles. She reminded me of Ruffian with her size, stature, stride and dark coat. I only wonder if a more experienced jockey could have felt something was wrong before she fell to the track.

I've never really been on Big Brown's bandwagon but he made me a believer on Saturday. I wish him well and hope he continues to stay sound. I also felt Rick Dutrow's remarks after the race were refreshing. While he is no doubt extremely proud, and rightfully so, it seems as though the win has also been a humbling experience, not in the sense that his confidence has diminished, but perhaps because, just like the rest of us, he witnessed something extraordinary. And Big Brown gave Dutrow the Kentucky Derby, which is enough to humble anyone, but in a very joyous way. Yet the trainer also knows what lies ahead, and said that the Preakness will be a different game. He has Big Brown's schedule already mapped out, and it's obvious to me how much he cares for this horse.

Having said that, the race, as do all races that have tragedy, was marred for me. I am grief striken over the loss of Eight Belles. She showed so much courage and fortitude, proving she belonged with the best three-year-old males in the country. This wonderful filly beat 18 males, and put her heart on the line in an effort to chase down a freak. She lost the very life for which she was bred, but as far as I'm concerned, she died a winner.

Big Brown earned my admiration for demonstrating his supremacy. Eight Belles earned my love for demonstrating her virtue.

Big Brown ran huge but I think if War Pass was in the race he would have given Big Brown all he could handle. There were no quality horses on the lead this year. Last year Hard SPun set the pace and beat by Street Sense. This year Bob Black Jack set the pace and got beat by almost everyone. If War Pass is in the race its a photo for second between eight belles and Big Brown. War Pass would have won!!!

In fairness to Pyro. He was slammed shut at the beginning of the race. Any horse stopped like that in the derby will have a hard chance of winning. If Big Brown was shut off like that would he have won? Great article though.. :-)

Well Jason...its hard not to say anything when you went off on me about Beyers not meaning that much and it was not the end all be all. But back to back 106/106 ??? Did you have to get hit with a brick? Any move forward and he is in the 110 area who did you think was going to match that ?  If you can't break 100 as a 3 year old you won't win the Derby.  My brother who knows nothing about racing looked at the form and said,"What do these numbers mean?" I said they are Beyer figures the higher the number the faster the horse... After looking at the form for another 30 seconds he said, "Hell there's your winner!" And pointed to Big Brown.

Hat is off to Big Brown. He out ran everyone---BUT, AND YES, BUT!!!

How slow did they go up front? .23 and .47??? Not exactly blazing.

Denis of Cork was rolling at the end, and picking his way through traffic. Calvin probably assumed they would go .22 and .45 or .46 up front with all the speed (looked like it on paper), but it never did set up. Denis of Cork was too far back. Had C-Bo known they were going to walk, he could have positioned DC closer.

I would like to see Big Brown challenged from start to finish with some quality horses. Have a feeling War Pass would have set this up for a deep closer. Its one thing to set directly off of .23 quarters, and .47 halfs, but its another story when you are chasing .22 and .46 fractions going a mile and a quarter.

Heres to Denis of Cork in the Belmont. Hopefully there will be an honest pace.

I'm still in shock over the loss of Eight Belles.  With all due respect to the winner, I thought she ran an amazing race.  She had a lot of composure in the post parade and it was unreal how much taller she was than the boys.  As soon as the race ended, I was looking forward to her next race.  Yet again, we're robbed of seeing a great thoroughbred reach their potential.  I hope they do some sort of tribute to her during the Preakness telecast.

First my heart goe out to the fily and her connections,being an ex horse trainer it is an absolutely devestating thing to have happen. now on to the derby I have not bet on a horse in ten years, i could not help betting on big brown. A small token bet of 50. After reading everything i could for four days, handicapping this race was simple. First I through out all the syc surface runners, including Gayego.second i eliminate Zito"s two, Assmusenns two,Pyro was a bust. Pletchers two, had they been contenders he would of been there right off now waiting for ever. Mott was too busy changing equip. thought that was what they had prelim races for and traing in the morn.Taggs horses won two races by being in the right place right time.Recaputure  Glory was not going to get trip. Poor Smooth Ir had been sick surprised they even ran him after he breezed so slow. Visionaire overrated.That left me with Big Brown the filly, and Dennis of Cork, who evrytime I read anything it was about how good he looked and acted. I learned one thing when a trainer talks like Dutrow does better pay attention.So it was easy to pick Big Brown. Churchill Downs is a tough track to just come in and run on. Some horses love it others hate it

Eight Belles, what a shame, they shouldn't have run her but it could have happened in the Oaks too possibly so what else can you say but at least she did run a great effort, and may be the 2nd best 3 year old horse in North America, period.

Curlin the "best horse in the world" vs. triple crown winner Big Brown would be a great showdown for the sport in Santa Anita.  I hope it happens.

In spite of his dismal performance, I am still a "Pyromaniac". So he won't win any of the Triple Crown races, he will have a lovely season following the lead of stablemate Zanjero, running up the dollars in the West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Indiana Derbies.

Can I eat crow with ketchup?

Hope you keep the blog going Jason. Its informative and a lot of fun. Looking forward to the "Saraoga Edition".

A phenomenon like Big Brown, his trainer Rick Dutrow, jockey Kent Desormeaux, the breeders and owners are great for the sport of racing.  Unlike a lot of other prominent trainers Dutrow is not one to duck competition, looking for easy spots and afraid to let the public know his confidence in his horse.  He deserves a lot of respect.  Evidently this is the year of the next Triple Crown winner.  It has always been reserved for a great one and that seems to be Big Brown this year.  Let's hope that he remains sound. The polytrack Derby preps have been exposed as farsical and it is a pity that this year's Breeder's Cup is scheduled for Santa Anita.  Eight Belles was apparently quite an awesome filly and i think that Big Brown's performance throughout the rest of the triple crown season will pay tribute to her in terms of the margin of his victories.  She has come the closest to him and trampled the other eighteen colts in doing so.  Larry Jones is another competitive trainer who is good for the sport.  Our sympathies to him on the loss of his flying filly.    

My horse won, but I was overcome with sadness over Eight Belles. I could not even watch the winning circle with my winning horse. Are three-year olds really old enough and their bones developed enough to run, or is this whole industry built on money and using these animals for our own greed.  I think I am over racing!!

hi jason, that horse is a racing specimen and i can't wait for the preakness and belmont. Wow!

I don't think any horse should run a mile and a quarter as a 3 year old unless they have already run a mile and an 8th race.

How anyone could say that Eight Belles should have never run in the Derby is beyond me. Not only could that "flying filly" run with the best colts in the country, she ran around them, through them, and past them and beat 18 of the best! Hats off to her in her glory! My thoughts and prayers go out to her connections and all of her fans whom were lucky enough to be graced by her presence. She will be dearly missed.

As to Big Brown, here's our next triple crown winner, ya'll!

The only Derby memory I will have for 2008 is Eight Belles. I am so, so sorry.  

I was fortunate enough to see Eight Belles run her races at Oaklawn. She was truly a beautiful filly. Wasn't she grand though how she hung in there!

I know there is a push to move away from 2 yr old racing to 3 yr old from the Welfare of the Racehorse Summit. What about in the longer races lightening the weight some? Instead of 126 pounds make it 120 lbs across the board once the field is set?

Also from there are new bone scan machines that can detect hairline fractures that could be used to check the runners. Belles might not have had any before the race but then again with new technology it might have been detected.

Also one last thought. It seems to me that the media and those that promote the Derby could also be encouraged to promote the Oaks more and the purse be raised so that the fillies winning the Oaks would have more status.

If Big Brown wins the Triple Crown, there should be a footnote. So he sat directly off of slow fractions for Derby standards, and won. There was no pace up front. Smarty Jones had to put away Lion Heart, Hard Spun had to put a few away, and even Barbaro sat off of very honest fractions.

Also, Kent "stop riding" D. isnt even close to being one of the top jocks. This guy refuses to ride out if anything happens.

They will probably win the Preakness, but lets see what he does when horses take their shots at him like they did with Smarty Jones in the Belmont.

Denis of Cork ran the best. To close like he did, on slow fractions, showed if they had gone faster up front, the filly or DC would have caught Big Brown, and no ride out KD.

Also, Tale of Ekati showed he belonged. Feel sorry for Edgar Prado who chose to ride Adriano. Feel even more sorry for G.Motion, who probably has the only A.P. Indy who cant run on dirt.

Virtually everyone in the race was a bust except Eight Belles and Big Brown. Eight Belles was the only one with the heart and talent to go after the Big Guy. At least Recapturetheglory and Tale of Ekati outran their odds. Denis of Cork did what I expected. Too bad his owner got in the way of him really being ready. Gary Stevens commented that Pyro's race was over one step out of the gate. Colonel John needs a smaller field; when he makes his move his initial steps are too slow. NBC's coverage was a bust, but they did manage to televise the horse race so I guess it wasn't all bad. Kent Desoremeaux's "talk-through" of the race was the best I've ever seen. With the death of Eight Belle's it's the only thing I can watch now from this race.

I had first and second picked in just the right order. Problem is, I didn't bet, but I know Big Brown is the best and have been with him since the beginning. I also believe Eight Bells had every right to be in that race. She had a freak accident, but she wasn't struggling at the end, she cleared everyone but Big Brown with flying colors. She should go down in history as one of the greatest racing fillies.

Thank you, Eight Belles, for the beauty of your heart that you have shown us, for the lessons from your heart that you have taught us, for the brilliance with which you shown, and for the precious gift that you will forever be.  We will miss your flying mane and beautiful gray tail flowing in the slipstream of your grace and power. We love you, Eight Belles, we miss you, and we’ll see you again. Go run, girl.

I thought after watching the derby several times over i realized Gayego had a horific trip and he never settled. My suggestion to his connections (Look at the mile on Breeders Cup day)!!

Jason

I loved talking to you yesterday buddy. Wow...Big Brown proved me wrong! I guess when all is said and done the Beyer Speed Figs don't lie!

Joe, you want an asterisk on the triple crown if BB wins it because you said he sat off slow fractions? Are you kidding me? How about 5 wide around the first turn and 4 wide around   the second turn? How about the 20 post position? Quit choking on sour grapes give BB a little credit.

Hey "Joe"

I guess you are entitled to your opinion but I couldn't disagree more.

It sounds to me that Big Brown cost you some money in the Derby and you are trying to justify your "stinkin thinkin" Derby bets.

Big Brown would have won the race with ANY pace scenario because he is MUCH THE BEST of this years crop. If you can't recognize that by now then I can only hope you aren't tryin to earn a living on wagering the horse races.

I liked Tale of Ekati and Denis of Cork and used them in my tri bets. I had the exacta but missed the tri because I left the filly out of the 2nd spot in my tri's for some stupid reason. Regardless though, they were all running for place and show.

I enjoyed reading Rick Dutrow's comments Sunday morning about the Preakness and couldn't agree more. He really impressed me with his honesty and insight. It is a totally different race and YES he will have his work cut out for him but then that is why it is so difficult to win the triple crown. You not only have to have a very good horse, you have to have some racing luck and a trainer who is thinking of the horse FIRST.

I wish him the best. GO BIG BROWN!!!

I thought the best horse won the derby.My comments is about that poor filly that run so hard and when they do that they legs gets like rubber after they pass the wire and is so important to the jockeys to keep the horse head up because they are so tired and they can stumble and fall down.

Congratulations to Big Brown. I am so sorry for what happened to Eight Belles, it just made me sick. What a beautiful and courageous filly, the racing world has lost a bright star. It is really a pity that we will never see her again or be able to watch the success of her offspring. Which leads me to the following comments about the safety of thoroughbred racing.  I think that most all the owners, trainers and breeders do everything within they're power to make sure it is safe for the horses.  Most people in the thorougbred industry are good, decent and harworking people.  I'm sure they care very much about the horses well-being and safety.  Yes, I am sure there are exceptions to this, but like all things in life, everything can't always be perfect.  There are some things that can probably be done to improve the safety of horses and I am sure the industry will be looking at this very closely.  I would like to make two suggestions:  I personally think that a field of 20 horses is too much.  That puts way too much stress on a horse and creates a bad scenario for things to happen.  We should limit the Derby race to 12 or 13 entries. That would be safer for the horses and jockeys. I also think that the time between the Triple Crown races should be extended, 14 days between the toughest race a 3 year old has ever run and the preakness is way too short.  I would propose 4 weeks between each leg of the Triple Crown.  Just my opinion, for what it's worth.  Rest in peace Eight Belles, you will always be rememberd as a courageous champion and we will miss you very much.

I see many comments about a "soft pace". Give the Browneye his due. Those were solid fractions set for a race of 1 1/4. Don't kid yourself. First I want to thank Jason for his well organized blog leading to the Derby. Well done. I like many had bet Big Brown on top only with the thought he either was good enough to win or would falter and fall out of the money. The superfects payoff I won reminded me eerily of the Superfecta I cashed in Barbaro's ill fated Preakness where I played a "cover" in case something happened to him. The thrill of a nearly 60K payoff was overshadowed by the sickening injury to Eight Belles right after the finish. I saw a comment above that Eight Belles should not have run this race. You could not be more wrong as she proved by her performance she is a Champion and belonged here more than the other 18 who finished behind her. My heart goes out to all the connections of Eight Belles and her fans for a true Champion who gave her life to racing. I believe Big Brown has the best shot at a Triple Crown in years. His lack of racing may be just what he needs to be fresh enough to win at Belmont barring something unforseen before, during, or after there Preakness. I cannot wait to see a Curlin vs. Big Brown Breeders Cup Classic. What a horrible shame it will take place on a "fake" track. One last comment. Draynay, with all your arrogance I am wondering how you could not have hit a big trifecta and superfecta which would not have cost an arm and leg using only Big Brown on top. Perhaps you aren't as good as you want us to think are and couldn't figure out the rest and who to eliminate underneath? There are millions out there who can claim they picked a 2/1 favorite to win but I have to say, not so many with the tremendous payoffs underneath who did the homework on the rest.    

Horses get "rubber legged" after a big effort & jocks must be careful pulling up.  They too are tired.  The filly was large & it's seems when he began to realize she was staggering he couldn't keep her on her feet.  Remember Dan Fogelberg's lines in his "Run for the Roses" song - "your fate is delivered, your moment's at hand.  Chance of a lifetime in alifetime of chance".  

Jason and Friends-- the crow you may be choking on pales in insignificance to what I am trying to swallow-- me of "Big Brown--Brown Out" Fame. Will wait a couple of days to start assessing shooters for the Preakness-- but it seems at this point more an academic exercise-- so much for my "lacks foundation- will be a nice horse later" thesis on Big Brown. Dutrow, bless him, already complaining about the hard surface in Baltimore. Those of us who grew up with him in Maryland know what makes this clock tick-- or clang, as the case may be. Eight Belles- to Rick Porter, Larry Jones and all her connections, I share in your grief and sadness-- was so looking forward to having her in your new barn at Fair Hill and now, instead, we are going to have to endure the PETA crowd, again. Will NOT happen much less even be nominally considered, but making the Triple Crown a series for 4 YO's with better developed frames et al likely the old way to even to begin to address today's seemingly ever more fragile horses?

Note to Draynay-- time for you to enter a handicapping contest, although you will have to look to Jason for your grub stake. BTW-- my namesake horse and Wife placed 3rd in their class this weekend at the horse trials up the street from the Preakness at Shawan Downs, with a clean round in Stadium Jumping and no Cross Country phase time penalities, horse and riding coming out sound, so not all lost for me this weekend. Final thought-- In honor of Showing Up, H.G. Motion and Adriano win the Colonial Turn Cup next start come June at Colonial Downs-- 19th in the Derby- ugh-- more crow here, please.

I've watched the Derby replays many times from both the televised and over head views. It struck me that Big Brown ran the Derby like Secretariat ran the Derby and the Preakness. Both horses stayed outside, clear of trouble but wide around the turns, and had more than enough stamina and speed to win.

That was Dutrow's plan in selecting the 20 post. I was disappointed that Big Brown ran 2 seconds slower than Big Red, but, he ran a longer race, having to completely cross over the width of the track from the 20 post.

this derby is not going to be remembered for the winner, but for the filly who died in it.  The media and general non-racing public are having a field day with it. It is time for all these tracks to step up and switch to synthetic or this sport is going to have major problems in the future. People are tired of seeing horses die- especially in the big races.

The heart of Eight Belles is to be honored and admired as much as the anger I feel for the people responsible for her who did not protect her.

Eight Belles should never have been entered in the Kentucky Derby.  

Although I am a weekly attendee at Laurel/Pimlico, journey regularly to the Breeders Cup, and several times a year to Belmont, I admit I am not an expert on the sport.  Yet I know that those who are - trainers, educated owners, etc. -- understand that it is rare and special for a filly to have a legitimate chance to participate in the Kentucky Derby.  Most, regardless of their filly's talent, pass on the race.

Eight Belles was not prepared for the hardest race in the world.

She had never run against colts, unlike Winning Colors in the Santa Anita Derby and Genuine Risk in the  Wood.

She had never run in a Grade 1.  Fifteen of the Derby entrants had.

She had never even run against the best fillies of her class, having only run against one of the participants in the Kentucky Oaks.

Though she had high Speed Figures, she had never faced anywhere close to the competition and challenges she faced in the Derby.

Some will argue that because of her second place finish, she, of course, belonged.  Yes, she was courageous and fast and would do whatever was asked of her -- and it killed her.

I am angry at the owner (who played games with post position draw in making his decision) and the trainer for not taking care of this  filly.

They were captured by their ego and their speed figures and by Derby desires -- and their filly died.

We too many times give the people responsible for the safety of these animals a pass, because we want to be polite, or we say it is part of the game, or we blame it on the racing surface.  

Eight Belles should not have been in this race.  She was not prepared  for what she would encounter, yet she gave her all, and the people she trusted to take care of her let her down.  

I am angry!

Big deal, the favorite won. A horse is dead. Wow, some Kentucky Derby, one to forget. That filly was injured way before the finish line. You don't spend over 30 years in the horse business, and not see how the filly clearly injured herself at the top of the stretch.  Why do you think she went over to the rail so fast, it's because after she was hurt then wacked with the whip she couldn't run any faster so she took a hard left towards the rail. Did anyone see this or am I the only horse expert here. I know she injured before the end, look at her stride after she made that hard left towards the rail. Both her front legs appear to be hitting the ground together, as though she's hopping in the front. I don't believe that gallop out crap from the vet, that she galloped out fine.  We'll never know because we didn't get to see it. I've been showing hunters & jumpers my entire life, and that filly was hurt before the finish. I know the betting public could care less, but if someone could review that race from the top of the stretch on and look at what I'm talking about then you'll understand why PETA wants this jockey suspended. I have never agreed with PETA on anything, but on this one I do.  That clearly was cruelty and that jockey should be in jail.  Do anyone notice how many times he beat the crap out of Proud Spell in the Oaks? I wonder if Larry Jones will be entering Proud Spell in the Preakness since his other top filly is dead. Oh, and what a nice outing for the family, and how would you like to explain to your kids why there's a horse lying on the track. Former Fan for sure, this sport is barbaric & sickening. I'm done.

Great blog Jason very enjoyable, well now what does everyone think, great horse or best of a poor lot? Seems as though everyone has conceded the Preakness to him, can.t see him even being contested there. If Colonel John is prepared right he will be a formidible foe in Belmont. I said this once and I will say it again. A bunch of poorly prepared horses, except for top three.

I am an avid racing fan but unsure of how much more of this I can take. I love the sport because of the horses. How can we continue to watch these horses break down and die? When will someone finally step up and do something about it? Something is going terribly wrong with these horses. I love Big Brown and would love to see a triple crown winner but at what expense? I am scared to even watch the race.

As they were coming down the stretch my first thought was how great a horse Big Brown can be. The second was "Wow, look at the filly-she is running a great race"

The next minute was a grim representaion of the old statement about the highs and lows of our wonderful sport. Eight Belles was running so well at the finish, with her ears pricked, doing what she loved doing-being a racehorse.This is how I will remember her.  

As I saw a near Black Big filly to be running against a freakishly fast colt, all I could think of was Ruffian. Was this her reborn?..and Oh, No!Eight Belles was super fast and beautiful. She had class. Just like Ruffian. Winning with all the girls. She wouldnt know that she was running against colts, but knew she was always in the front of the pack and had to get there again...no matter what.Because she had too! She had class, just like Ruffian. She didnt know what was good for her...she was depending on us to tell her that.

I was always a big fan of the Derby.Never again will I watch it. It has lately been too painful.

Too young are these horses. Too much heart and trust for us to make the right decisions for them....And we usually let them down. They pay with their lives, for our love of money, ego, fame and greed.

We should be ashamed.Especially if we just turn a blind eye and say "well, this happens!" So easy , isnt it?

With all the medical information and technology we have now, about what is good and bad for the horse, we should be utilizing it all...and embracing it. ...and we don't.Stupidity.

Too young. Too much. We need changes.

Change ages for starting training. Change number of races allowed in a period of time. Change the running surfaces...

Not that hard ...is it? We use these beautiful trusting creatures as they are disposable.

Now , go , Eight Belles, and run when you want with your girlfriend Ruffian.What a stunning pair you make!

I only wish war pass was able to race in the KD, so BB could show everyone how talented he really is and how fast he can go,I think there were a few fast colts in the race, what about bob black jack and recapturetheglory. I would consider them pretty speedy.

BIG BROWN don't have to be on the lead to win he has great tactical speed and settles down very quickly.I'm sorry for all you people who picked against him and lost money but,thats what makes horseracing exciting.We're going on to the preakness with high expectations and its sad eight belles will not be with us,she beat all the other boys you picked in case you forgot.

Maybe both the owner and the jockey should be suspended from horse racing for the treatment of Eight Belles.

So,BB won.Hats off to him,and his trainer for chosing the 20 hole,where he could get a clear trip.It worked!.Speed was king that day as the earlier races proved.BB and the ill-fated Eight Belles had the perfect trip,and so they finished 1,2...As far as my picks; Pyro:was a non-factor 1 stride leaving the gate,the guy was sandwiched and stepped-on(resulting in cuts on his front legs,nothing major,according to Asmussen).It was over for him when he got pinched-back.Yet, he still valiantly finished a dissapointing 8th.Adriano: he also got pinched-back a couple of strides leaving the gate,but hey,thats the Derby!Once you have any kind of trouble before the 1st turn,it's over!..CCM & Col.John had no apparent excuses..Dutrow seemed humble after the race,maybe you should follow in his footsteps draynay.Yes,you "jumped" on his jock when Jason "mentioned" him here! But,I wanna' know if you can pick the winner of the 3rd. race in Belmont on Weds. though?.lol...This is an average crop of 3y.o's,so BB has a very good shot of taking the Triple Crown..Jazil & Rags to Riches' 1/2 brother by(Mineshaft),is already at Belmont Park(by way of Japan).He's going to run in the Peter Pan Stakes,then the Belmont Stakes in an attempt to give his dam(Better than Honour) 3 Belmont Stakes winners in a row.

What a Derby.....for the great triumph of Big Brown and the sad loss of the sparkling filly, Eight Belles.

I will say to those complaining that racing is "barbaric" etc....complaining on a Bloodhorse blog isn't going to make any type of change.  

It was a tragic accident, and cruel of "well meaning" "horsepeople" to malign the owners and trainer of that filly who are so obviously grieving....  If she had injured herself in the stretch there is no way she could have finished that strongly, no  way.  I've seen one too many horses sting or hurt themselves and they do not stride out normally like that afterwards.

It was a tragic occurence, perhaps a cardiac issue which caused the stumble, misstep.  As Frank Whitely (Ruffian's trainer) was caught saying.(paraphrased).. "The bad ones never get hurt, they don't run hard enough, it's the good ones you have to worry about"

RIP Eight Belles and Congratulations to Big Brown and his connections, racing 5 and 4 wide to sweep the Derby is an impressive accomplishment, the first time to face 1 mile and 1/4, under 126lbs....who wouldn't be impressed with that performance?

loved big brown's win. sad about eight belles, but she ran the race of her life, so try to focus on the positive.

Everyone is saying Eight Belles was injured during the race.  I have watched the replay over and over and over and I just can't see it. I don't understand if she had a broken ankle how could she continue to run the way she did? I own horses and have my entire life. I have seen broken bones and terrible injuries. Even though the adreneline is pumping and the horse may not be aware they are hurt, the legs don't lie. They just simply can't continue on three legs. Also, regarding the jockey whipping the horse, look at Kent whipping Big Brown, look at all the other jockeys whipping all their horses in the home stretch. It may not be pretty, but it is common practice and frankly, it is a crop. It doesn't hurt the horses, it just asks for more speed. RIP Eight Belles.

Kudos to Big Brown. I thought he had way too many obstacles to overcome to win the Derby, but overcome them he did. He has as good a chance to sweep the Triple Crown as we've seen for a while. I will be at the Preakness and the Belmont and am looking forward to two exciting races.

That being said, I am not going to get attached to this horse. It appears that his owners are not as much horsemen as they are investors looking for the buck. So if Big Brown wins either or both of those races the chances of seeing him race next year will be somewhere between slim and none. I wouldn't be surprised to see him retired after the Belmont. We're not dealing with people like the Lewis' or Mike Pegram. So enjoy the horse while you can.

As always, I bet the favorite to show and cashed a small ticket.

We need to shake off this Derby and get prepared to pound the card at Pimilico.

I heard that no Derby horses, aside from Big Brown will race in Maryland.  Any truth to that?

Eight Belles didnt deserve the tragic ending to her life. To be honest I was not an Eight Belles fan, however it sickened me to see her fate. How the almighty dollar stole away an outstanding race horse. I have been in the horse business for over 30 years and was sickened to see the disgusting circumstances surrounding an innocent horse. From the childish games of entering her in both races and denying someone else an opportunity to start. To asking a filly with a big heart to do something she had never attempted, to win a grade win against the boys. If you recall she had been beating up on the fillies, of lesser ability, running in small fields, 4,6, 8 head. Now she is thrown in with 19 strong colts that are battle tested, going further than she had ever been. Plus why in the world would you breeze a filly with 175 lbs, supposedly, 5/8 in 59? I cringe when I see a rider over 150 lbs doing any more than a two minute lick on any of my horses. The tragedy in all of this is that the gallant victim had no voice in the matter. Instead of having a champion filly who could have gone on to produce more like her, all the connections have left are sad memories, vanity, chasing after the wind or is it dollar?

So sad about Eight Belles.  Unfortunately, it happens in racing everyday.  All the synthetic surfaces and determination of individuals to make the sport safer for people and animals alike will NEVER totally eliminate unfortunate events such as this.  What a wonderful effort--she truly did go out in glory.  I find it interesting that PETA has jumped right back on the bandwagon--where are they when $2500 claimers break down and have to be euthanized?  The jockey did his best, she was galloping out fine--just a freak occurence which could not be prevented.  They did the right thing to euthanize her immediately--she did not deserve any more pain and there was going to be no way to repair the injuries.  All of our hearts are broken with her loss.

Big Brown did what I thought he would--I really hope that he can go on and win the Triple Crown-how amazing would that be?

Hats off to Calvin Borel and Denis of Cork--did anyone else notice him weaving his way from last to third?  What a performance there.

Imma lucky guy that my ride broka down befor I gotta to place a betta onna derby. Bigga Browneye pulled it off when I didnt thinka he coulda. Congratsa to draynaya who like the "millions and millions of the browneyesa fans" made him the shortest prica favorite in years to win. Hmmmmm, maybe we all should look in the forma and bet onna the one with the highest beyer everytime. Is it really that easy? I thinka not, but it worked outta this once. Oh, did the onna with the nexta highest beyer finish 2nd? The next highest after that 3rd? and so on? That would be logical by draynay's way of thinking.

Yo Jason. I had Big Brown and Dennis of Cork in my exactor. Plus Tale of Ekati,but not the filly.Get this,I had Dennis of Cork bet win-place! Can you believe no show bet.Oh well Im looking forward to the Belmont with Dennis of Cork.My thoughts and prayers go out to the connections of Eight Belles.

karen watch interview mike iavarone it will give you some insight on your theory about not racing beyond this year.In case you have'nt noticed Kip deville and Benny the bull are still racing and they were offered big $$$, this is a racing stable.

I loved Big Brown waaaay back when he was 150-1 in the futures pool, think he's gorgeous, but his Derby time is right smack in the middle of average for Derby winners (on a fast track) the last 10 years (or evenlast 50 years), plus let's face it, he won against a field of colts that were not bred to be precocious 3 year olds the first Saturday in May (hopefully they will run in their 4 year old year and will blossom into their pedigrees and we may even have another Forego type that no one even cares couldn't run in their Derby)..I really think that had more of the girls raced it would have a much more competitive race.

I don't know, it just doesn't feel right that a pretty colt with only slightly better than average speed, with no real tests under his belt because his peer group is sub-par (at this point in their lives), and a checkered trainer,  may emerge as "Triple Crown 12"....when you think of the battle-tested, I mean BATTLE-TESTED triple crown winners before...it just seems a huge let-down...BUT it hasn't happened yet, and maybe there's a blossoming sleeper who will challenge Big Brown and create a CHAMPION, not just the best of a not-so-hot bunch, or perhaps even beat him because he really is only a good, just not great, racehorse.

God Bless you Eight Belles, you ARE a CHAMPION.

This is the last horse race I will ever watch....what a shame a beautiful horse named EIGHT BELLES had to die in this so called DERBY....she had more class than her owner or trainer...I said after BARBARO I wanted never to witness such a waste again....now I know for sure I cannot enjoy a sport where a horse is WHIPPPED to go faster and faster so someone can win a lot of money or a stupid race...shame on all of us ....  

Some of the comments made have promted me to make a few comments. The talk about Big Brown winning because the pace wasn't fast enough is completely ridiculous, remember the pace of the Florida Derby and who set it. I would also like to comment on Eight Belles. She definitley did not break down until after the finish line, watch the replay of the race and she was running smoothly with her ears pricked with no indication of any problem. The injury occurred when pulling the horse up after the race. The VET said it was an extremely rare accident and the rider was not to blame nor was anyone else. Eight Belles ran in the derby because her running lines indicated she was as fast as the colts. She just happened to run against possibly the best horse to come along in the last 25 years. Big Brown has run much faster than Curlin ran as a three year old and we are surely looking at the next triple crown winner barring injury.

Big Brown will win the triple crown. However, don't expect to see another crown winner after him. It absolutely will not happen. Big Brown will be the last. Oh and it will not go over well and there will be investigation into whether it is the real deal. I think the racing industry knows that after Barbaro and Eight Belles that racing is over as a well received sport. There is no way that racing can change when money is involved. Money rots minds, and anyone that disagrees that money rots minds is already rotten. Big Brown is not Barbaro and dont think a Big Brown triple crown will change racing because it won't, even if it may seem to help a few years after he takes the crown. Mark my word, 20yrs from now horse racing will be basically done and no one will care about it anymore.

Big Brown actually won me some money. Would have been better with Denis of Cork on top, but that wasnt going to happen with the slow pace. Again, by Derby standards, that was a slow pace, compared to years past.

Sitting four wide on the turns, when they are walking upfront is  no big deal. Heck, I could have outran them!!!

I did say hat is off to Big Brown. He out ran everyone. But, put him in a field where there is more pace, and he cant afford to walk through slow "DERBY" fractions, and lets see if anything can close.

My guess is, the faster they go upfront, the more a horse can close.

Denis of Cork in the Belmont.

I saw her take a bad step before the wire and said 'she's not right'.  Now how is it that I could see that (yes, I know what I'm talking about as I am an old racetracker and have real barrelhorses) from sitting on a couch and the rider couldn't feel that bobble?  I know it was slight, but I pull up when they take a bad step because I know that adreneline is a great painkiller and I'm not taking any chances.  Been there and done that but not ever again.  Someone is not telling the whole story.

I suggest that Big Brown is too developed for a 3 year old.  Is he being feed more than oats and hay?

I wonder?

dirtylittlesecret you must be in ga ga land to even think denis of cork will get within 3 lenghts of Big Brown,if the brown stays healthy and goes into to the preakness wins and goes on to the belmont at 85%!!! denis of cork still won't beat him,believe me don't even try to compare these 2 horses.

few commets to the above posts: If Eight Belles should not have been in the derby than there were many others who shouldn't have been in the derby and the trainers know who they were, I will not name them.

I have to take issue with the trainer starting Eight Belles without the right conditioning

1) Not having raced the boys

2) Not having raced at a 1 1/8

Sure she had a lot of races under her belt but in my opinion not the type of races to test her fitness.  There is no guarantee that the tragedy would have been avoided no matter what course the trainer had taken, yet the filly was not as tight as she should have been going into a big race like the Derby. A prep race at 1 1/8 might have revealed stresses that would have deterred the connections from racing her, at the very least she would have been a fitter horse racing the 1 1/8 distance instead of only racing the 1 1/16 distance. Asking any horse to make that kind of jump to a 1 ¼ distance is irresponsible, that they did it to a filly who was facing the boys for the first time was plane stupid.  The other 19 trainers all thought it prudent to have their colts race 1 1/8 distance before running their horses in the biggest race of their lives, it’s a shame that Eight Belles connections did not feel it necessary to give their filly the same opportunity.

Well, First things first, Our beautiful Eight Belles is gone. I am devastated and I know it will take a while to recover. Having said that I have been a serious fan for 4 years, I watch ALL races not just the Derby, and these breakdowns do happen, and it is always horrible. I will repeat for you the mantra my husband always comforts me with " This is what they are breed to do and they LOVE IT"!!!. I don't know much about her jockey but I cannot and will not believe that he did any outward harm, Larry Jones is a great horseman and he wouldn't allow it. She showed that she deserved to be in the field by her place finish.

  Big Brown was awesome and I'm glad he's here now to help us heal.

  R.I.P. Beautiful Belles say hi to all that went before you! xxxooo

The 2008 Kentucky Derby will be remembered as much for Big Brown's magnificent performance as it will for the tragic breakdown of Eight Belles. Any horse racing fan with a conscience must feel conflicted after this valiant filly gave her life for the sport.

As with the other tragic breakdowns of the past, this one will cast a long shadow over the sport. Once again, the industry must take a long look at the cause of breakdowns and take action to prevent further tragedies in the future. Is it the track surface? The weakening of the breed due to inbreeding? Inconsistent medication rules? Or something else?

I'm just a fan and don't pretend to have the answers. But, if the sport is going to continue, these kinds of questions must continually be addressed by the industry.

A Triple Crown triumph for Big Brown would be great and well deserved. However, even after waiting 30 years for another Triple Crown champion, the taste would be decidedly bittersweet.

Okay its time to stop beating up on Mr Jones. This was something beyond anyones control. There loss is absolutely devistating, like losing a member of your own family. He was not like the other trainers, he was on this filly's back every morning. groomed her, tacked her, practically lived with her. Remeber also he developed this filly he didn't have, like Assmussen and Dutrow did have, owners with a few left over millions to go and purchase a made horse.

Insider P, your opinion and thats great. Our opinion is Denis of Cork closed from way back, even though the pace was slow compared to the last three Derbys.

I think its safe to say, there was no Smarty Jones, War Emblem, or other quality speed horses in this years Derby. Point being, Big Brown sat Directly off of slow fractions for Derby standards, had no traffic problems and won against a sub par group of horses. so what makes him so great? Are you serious about being on his jock?

He ran a huge race, and it takes talent to be undefeated. He is nice. Hell, what about Peppers Pride, who is undefeated, 16 for 16??? Exactly, she hasnt raced anything but New Mexico breds.

Same thing with Brig Brown. Slow fractions for a Derby, no traffic issues, and certainly no quality horses such as Rock Hard Ten, Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, or Barbaro.

If they go .22 and .46, and he is four to five wide on the turns, Denis of Cork would have closed and made up more ground. Thats the law of physics. Speed begins to fade, and closers gain.

Any case, lets hope he wins the Preakness, and sets up an awesome Belmont. If he does win the triple crown, it can only get better, when he meets Curlin in the Breeders Cup Classic. That is of course, if he is good enough.

Yes it was sad to see Eight Belles go down, especially after giving it her all to finish second.  I had given her no chance to hit the board and I was certainly proven wrong.  Of course I didn't pick Big Brown either.  I was at Churchill on Saturday and am glad there were two more races after the Derby because I made up my losses in the next two races.

For those of you who are very upset over the loss of Eight Belles just remember that these horses are taken care of extremely well.  Much better than most other animals.  This accident was unforeseen by anyone, although horse racing is a dangerous sport, for the jockeys and the horses alike.

Thoroughbreds are runners, that's what they do best and they will always give you all they have.  This is a beautiful sport, regardless of the potential dangers.  Tragedy is often part of all sports; boxing, auto racing, football, baseball, biking, etc.  The sport will live on.  

Now let's have a Triple Crown winner!  

As I continue to read the coments not only on this blog but other forums, my own grief becomes more painful. The '08 KY Derby for me isn't about Big Brown. It's about Eight Belles. Maybe that's unfair to the winner, but I feel what I feel. Yet, I'm bothered by a few of the remarks I've read here and elsewhere. People have a right to their opinions. And so do I.

I want to remember Eight Belles for the beautiful, wonderful filly she was, how she ran the race of her life, which sadly cost her that life, and left this world exhibiting the highest virtues of a Thoroughbred: courage, perserverance, and intense will to win. Eight Belles didn't die in vain.

It's harder and harder for me to remember her like that because of  the "blame game" that is once again happening. While I think I know what I would have done if Eight Belles had been my horse, I'm not in the connections' shoes. I'm not an owner or horseman, and I won't criticize them or second guess them, which is hindsight anyway.  

For a few individuals to negatively comment about her connections, or whomever the remarks are directed toward, and so harshly without even knowing what they must be going through, is very unfair. It won't bring Eight Belles back and it isn't doing anything to honor her memory. I'm certainly against sweeping any tragedy, and what may have caused it, under the rug. Anything, be it a necropsy and/or other investigation, that could help determine or give some indication of the cause is always desirable and I think necessary, especially if it can help prevent  fatal accidents in the future. But blame or anger directed toward individuals is, in my opinion, counterproductive.

Whether we agree with their decision to run Eight Belles in the KY Derby or not, or how the jockey was riding her, the fact is when she crossed the finish line, her ears were pricked. Any evidence of distress wasn't apparent until a few moments later, and suggestions that she was hurting during the race can only be viewed as speculative. I saw the race to, didn't think she was in any danger, and she appeared to be running well. I'm not saying there couldn't have been distress, but only that it wasn't evident, until some point after she crossed the wire.

People need to be held accountable for their actions and decisions, but not every accident means someone is at fault. Isn't it bad enough that we lost a beautiful and courageous filly, without also taking it out on people that were connected to her and that most of us don't even know personally?  I'm not saying most of the people on this blog are doing that either because they're not, and I'm just responding to the few comments that have bothered me.

And if anyone thinks he or she feels worse about Eight Belles' death than the connections, think again.

Great blog!

Big Red won the triple crown (otherwise know as secretariat) maybe it’s time for Big Brown to do the same!  

My heart and prayers go out to the owner and trainer of Eight Belles!  

Hey Joe: How in the world can you say there were no quality speed horses in the race when the world record holder for 6 furlongs was in the race?

As to the quality of his opponents, he has taken on all comers and still hasn't lost. He performs as well as he needs to to win the race and his smallest margin of victory has been 4 3/4 lengths Perhaps..with some luck, we will see a Curlin and Big Brown matchup in the Breeders Cup Classic.

I just wanted to add to John's post.  I noticed coming around the turn the filly was trying to get out.  I'm not a vet but I do have 10 years experience on the race track.  The jockey straightened her out and yes she was hesitate in some of her strides down the stretch.  

I think it comes down to the inexperienced jockey.  

As much as I hate to admit it, Dutrow was right. Congratulations to Big Brown. I have to give credit where credit is due, not that the connections care, I'm sure they prefer cash. I'm sorry to see what happened to Eight Belles. She should've never been entered in the race. True we wouldn't have seen Eight Belles run so gallantly, however she'd be here now to run another day. This is another example of why fillies should run against fillies, it's called the Kentucky Oaks. If the people who make the conditions for the Derby open it for fillies they should do away with the oaks then. They may as well accept mares while they're at it. Horse racing doesn't need this tragedy right now (played out on national television) as it's tough enough to compete with all the other gambling opportunities available to gamblers. Needless to say I didn't have Eight Belles or Denis of Cork on my tri or Super tickets. I guess everyone will key Big Brown and hope for a bomb to clunk up for 2nd and third in the Preakness, so as to get well from the Derby debacle. The way it looks, BB can only improve and it doesn't look like anything can run with him in the Preakness.

Do you think the horses realize what happened to Eight Belles?  Did you see Big Brown rare-up after the race when he saw Eight Belles lying on the track?  Do you think that might somehow effect his racing performance from now on?  I guess it would be possible, if it effects us like it does, it must simalarily effect horses too.  That would be ironic at the height of Big Brown's career if Eight Belles death would ruin him.  I certainly hope that doesnt happen, but it does make you wonder.

Pulllleeeeezzzz! I love the horses...their beauty, their intelligence, their stamina, & on & on & on.  The trainers & jockeys do an amazing job!  Loved Big Brown as soon as I began reading about him and because of his trainer's excitement....I knew this was the horse to cheer for on Derby Day!  Go Big Brown!  Really sad about Eight Belles because I ws cheering for her, too.  Yes, I picked em!  Now, all the uproar about the track surfaces....Hello...The track surface is not necessarily the problem.  The main problem is running these horses like this before they have developed their bones fully and matured.  They are still big babies.  A horse can continue growing up til age 6 I am told by the old timers.  I think age 4 would be better for these types of races. But if none of it is changed, I will always be a fan of the HORSE!  

Thanks Jason for the great blog, I enjoy hearing all the different information.

 Congratulations to Big Brown and his connections, very impressive horse. I enjoy reading the blogs about all the different scenarios that are supposed to get him beat. I think the triple crown is Big Brown's to lose. I thought he looked tremendous all the way up to the derby and it sounds like he came out doing great.

 I am very sorry for the filly Eight Belles and everyone connected to her. What happened to her was a tragic part of sports and or competition. I find it remarkable all these horse experts just coming out of the wood work. I guess I just have one question, did all these experts cry and complain when Rags to Riches ran in the Belmont? Last I knew she was a filly and I believe the Belmont is One and a half miles?

    Thanks for the blog, and again I really am sorry for Eight Belles!

Aside from the great tragedy of Eight Belles' breakdown, was anyone else struck by how bizarre it was?  ABC news has posted a clip that shows her staggering down- her front legs just crumpled.  In addition, all witnesses say it was on the same stride.  

Although I'm not a vet, it seems like there must have been a network of microscopic damage that suddenly hit the point of collapse. Which begs the question: when did it happen?  Bone just doesn't collapse on its own like that without an underlying issue.

Although I was overjoyed to see Big Brown win like I had hoped he would, the whole thing makes me sad; what a wonderful filly to lose.

I concur with Mike B.

I do have have a 28 year old ex-track horse and I have to belive that the owners/trainer/jockey cared for Eight Belles dearly.

What happend to her was a tragedy ---and in my heart I think she did not suffer for any lenght of time --- I would like to see the age be raised to true 3/4 years olds - - -  how would that change the racing industry??

She is now with Barbaro among the other MANY GREATS!

I am a casual handicapper, and therefore considered a casual racing fan.  But I am a passionate professional horse woman who has devoted my adult life to the retraining of OTT tbs; have worked at racetracks large and small, clean and dirty, and care deeply- very, very deeply- about the fate of this sport, which I truly believe to be the most majestic enterprise in animal husbandry.  Why is it that these breakdowns- George Washington, Pine Island (so easily left out of the media's eye), Barbaro, Eight Belles- are happening to this degree at what should be the pinnacle of the sport?  As far as I'm concerned, the answer lies almost exclusively in irresponsible, short sighted breeding tactics.  To say that this filly never should have run, or that her jock, trainer or owner was responsible for driving her past her limits, is narrow sighted & immature- and certainly will do nothing to salvage the sport and a moment of real grace for a powerful, deserving race horse.  We need to look back to the 'breeding boom' of the 80's to find the heart and soul of the matter.  Before we jump on track surfaces, connections, or even racing age- a point I might be willing to consider- we should recall that in the heyday of this sport, horses ran farther, more often, with shorter (sometimes MUCH shorter- 2 days?) breaks, under kids who may have only ridden a farm horse at a gallop (and who also, for the record, tended to beat the ever loving crap out of them), and these horses did NOT suffer breakdowns of the nature that we are seeing- certainly not with this frequency.  When we started to put the emphasis on how fast we could get a decent running colt from the training barn to the breeders shed, we lost sight of what made racing popular & profitable in the public circle for generations- the triumph, the glory, the majesty and the beauty.  Horse racing began to decline in popularity not because of a lack of relevance, but because of a lack of names that the casual fan could follow, love and get behind.  That happened because we started retiring good horses at 3.  That happened because stud fees and auction prices went through the proverbial roof- and now we can't breed a sound horse to save our lives, because we don't KNOW who's sound.  These sort of breakdowns also don't happen at the lower levels of racing- and again, those horses are coming from long lines of solid, sturdy runners whose owners knew they were more likely to make money on the track or at resale then in the shed.  Those levels of horses also tend to go on to successful careers as pleasure or show horses- and stay relatively sound until old age takes them.  I have an 18 year old off-the-track gelding in my barn who ran 37 starts in 6 years.  He's sound as can be, and still puts up a fight for kids learning to jump.  We're doing something terribly, terribly wrong at the upper end with bloodlines, and until that awful misdirection is rectified, we will continue to suffer losses in attendance, handles, and the very animals we base our livelihoods on.  No surface will change that.   I hope Larry Jones, a consummate horseman, gets some sleep tonight.  I hope that ferociously fighting filly rests forever  with her head towards the finish line; and I hope so much that we learn from her loss.  She deserves that much, doesn't she?

How refreshing it is to be here in this forum, when I have just spent much time over at MSN responding to an article about the "Dark Side of Horse Racing."  Ugh.

Big Brown did exactly as I expected him to.  I was a non-believer when the gates opened at the Florida Derby, but less than 2 minutes later like so many others, I thought this horse was a potential monster.  I read Dutrow's comments about running Brown back so soon in the Preakness. He seems less confident now.  I hope the horses feet hold up...

Eight Belles, wow my condolences go out to her connections.  She ran an incredible race.  Who could have expected or prevented that?  I am sorry her connections are facing such scrutiny and criticism, as is the industry as a whole.  She definately proved she belonged in the Derby, besting all but one of the top colts in the country.

joe in reference to your comment. I was at the derby, the wind plays a big factor as to the time of the race. Im anxious to find out what the beyer figure was. for all out there BB had a better beyer then Barbaro in FLA Derby does that make him better? certainly not however the mark of a champion is to overcome all adversity and still win and BB has done that, lets give him his kudos until he loses.R Dutrow has done a great job he told us all like it was and caught hell for it but, the IEAH group of people are class A if you ever happen to be at the track stop by to say hello they greet and talk to everyone.If Denis of cork runs againts BB in the belmont I'm still sure he won't beat BB not in the same league.Always remember there might be a fresh contender waiting in wings.  

Big Brown has accomplished the same thing on the track that Barbaro had.

Big Brown is now two races away from becoming one of the greats of all time. His performance in the Derby in windy conditions going 4 wide all the way around the track was simply unreal.

draynay thank you for solidifying my comment,it would appear that you are a student of the game.I still can't believe that people  go by the time  of a race since conditions of the day play such a big part of the outcome.If I'm at the track the first thing I do is look at the flag to see which way the wind is blowing it will determine if the speed horses or the closers will have the advantage.Class plays a big factor a form horse might show a real fast time and the horse with class will still beat him,Why??

Good racing to all

In my ten years experience training and racing horses, I don't believe there is one specific problem with the present day racing of horses.

No doubt a list of possible considerations can be easily constructed.

Other than a horse being under trained, or racing on chemicals, both of which did not contribute or exist in Eight Bells tragic demise, hers was the ultimate breakdown of the equine athlete.

Today's racing horses, no matter the breed, receive the best in veterinary care, the utilization of knowledgeable blacksmiths and enjoy the best in nutritional availabilities.

Eight Bells demise was the tragic result of a young fearless filly chasing the American dream of capturing the Kentucky Derby which demanded the total exertion of all of her abilities as a Thoroughbred, doing what she loved to do, run.  

Class of 66-

Quality speed horses, on artificial surfaces maybe, but not dirt!!! To hell with the polytrack. Where were all the calinfornia and other horses who prepped on artificial surfaces? No where. Monba was last.

I think its safe to say, by quality of speed, there was no Smarty Jones or Lion Heart. War Pass ran the best race of all, in his last start. A mile and eight, and went .21 and .45, and still refused to quit!!! Thats way faster then .22 and .47 that Big Brown went. And War Pass had to duel and put horses away while running on the front. That is one reason I was able to cash on the Super, since I knew Tale of Ekati would improve off of that effort. He was so determined to get by.

I will say it over and over again. Big Brown ran an awesome race. He won the KY Derby, and is undefeated. That is pretty special. I still dont think he is a great horse, or has really been tested. That isnt his fault. Cant take nothing away from him. But the folks who are making him into the next super star, must be blind. A very slow Derby, with a suspect field. Kind of reminds me of the LOST IN THE FOG ordeal. Everyone said he is the best sprinter we will ever see. But he hadnt faced anything. Breeders Cup day, he got hooked on the front, and had to duel, and faded.

I still think if Big Brown gets hooked, and has to duel, he will not be able to sustain, not like Smarty Jones, and some of the other speed oriented horses from years past. Denis of Cork ran awesome to close on such soft fractions.

What I dont want to see is some of these trainers, who have no chance, throw a rabbit in there to cook him intentionly.

I want to see some quality horses, who have a chance, take him on, and let the best horse win. But I know that wont happen. Have a feeling some "cheap speed" will be entered just to cook him. I dont want that, as I dont think he is as good as he is made out to be, and once hooked by a quality horse, he is done.

Pffffft to all you who say the fractions in this years derby were slow by derby standards. Those fractions were plenty solid. Add in the wind factor and they were even better. C'mon give the horse its due. Big Brown is simply a much better animal than the rest of his class. As for Denis of Cork in the Belmont, not so fast. So many handicappers are lulled into thinking the longer race means a closer has to win. It's all about pace and the Belmont has proven over the years to not be kind to one run closers. Denis ran a good race in the derby but still hasn't run near fast enough to catch the Big Brown Machine. I say we need to get a movement together to get the Breeders Cup off the fake track in Cali and get it on dirt where it belongs so we can see the match of a lifetime in Curlin vs. Big Brown. If they don't meet on dirt this year I'm afraid they never will. I for one could care less about racing over the fake crap. As a longtime handicapper who plays the bets frequently I will not bet a single dime at a track that goes over chopped up gumbies.

Big Brown's performance in the Derby was frankly quite impressive and unlike any of the last 30 years, it would seem nothing can stand in the way of Big Brown and the so elusive Triple Crown. Even in the years of Silver Charm, Real Quiet, and the other good horses that won the first two legs of the TC, those crops were deep enough to count with horses capable of preventing these big horses to sweep the Triple. Not the case this year. Big Brown has shown to be so superior to his peers that nothing seems capable of preventing the inevitable. And it is about time. The younger generations of racegoers need a Triple Crown winner and Big Brown couldn't be a more deserving crown bearer. It is a shame that this crop of three year olds have come up so weak, because a horse like Big Brown could have gotten the job done with a little stiffer competition.

Ruby free: your post was long over due and so very well said.  I couldn't agree with you more. It's Tuesday and I am still trying to make sense of this tragedy and the more the media and PETA get involved, the harder it gets. I believe the trainer and owner of this amazing filly loved her to the end of the earth.

Rubyfree i love your analysis of whats happening, inbreeding has made a very fragile product, with the emphasis's on speed, training methods have evolved to generate speed. Horses race 10 or so starts and to the breeding shed. I is great to see Curlin brought back to the races. It was really great to watch top handicap horses like Tom Fool, Bold Ruler, Nashua to name a few who toted a lot of weight over 130 lbs and still won. Racing needs older horse to keep interest.

In all sports, humans as well as animals can die. It has always been that way and it will always be that way! Some horses like Go For Wand, Ruffian and now Eight Belles have run to their death. Why does this occur? It could be for many reasons but these horses like some humans in their quest for greatness will go for bust because their determinded hearts don't know no other way. Rare things sometimes can be explained and learned from but sometimes they can't. But I do know one thing...a hero will never be forgotten and a legend never dies!

Dooge--I agree about the fake tracks, and really forgot about the Breeders Cup being out west this year. So much for a match up of Big Brown an Curlin. I almost think Steve Sexton and Churchill Downs are to blame for this, since they are so greedy.

Anyway, I am tired of arguing about the soft fractions and all. Need to give Big Brown his credit. Ran awesome. Cant stand the jock though. I actually thought Dutrow was very likeable and fun to watch. I didnt take him to be cocky. I thought he was having fun, and it was entertaining.

Hope I get my showdown in the Belmont, with Denis of Cork, and I hope I can get back on here and say told you so. If not, I will be happy to see a triple crown winner.

That was a well written letter, Rubyfree. Your letter and well thought out analysis about horse racing really was right on target. The only thing I would add is how many people have been kept out of joining the ranks of owning horses strictly because of the cost. Thanks again Ruby for a wonderful letter!