Hate to say it, but hope Big Brown gets beat.

Cant stand the jockey, who has always been arrogant in my dealing with him, and who is questionable when it comes to riding out on horses.

I will say I have tried to find reasons to hate Dutrow, but I admit, I think his is fun to watch and listen to, during interviews. I like him.

As for who might beat him, DENIS OF CORK. Go back and look at the Derby replay. Closed from last, picked his way through traffic,to finish third. What made it more impressive, was how slow they went up front, and he still closed. Got a feeling Calvin Borel will have him just a little bit closer in the Belmont, perhaps in fifth right off of Big Brown. Denis is fast, to close from last and go in and out of horses, on slow fractions, you have to be fast to close like he did.

Big Brown reminds me of Lost in the Fog. Everyone said foggy was a freak. Well yes, he was beating four and five horse fields in California. But when he did run against some quality horses, he was beat pretty bad.

If Big Brown wins, good for the horse and trainer. If he loses, I hope its because of a jockey mistake. Cant stand Kent D.

People like Jim need to stick to Nascar.  Go Big Brown!

lmao. i bet the whole field in an exacta with Big Brown, because i knew as long as gayego didnt finish second (didnt think he would...he finished 11th anyway!) i would win over what i bet (11 best $22) well at the last minute i was looking to shave a few bucks off my ticket, almost took Macho Again off because i didnt think he'd show up at all. then thought better of it and bet the field Ended up winning $36 off of a $22 bet. glad i didnt take him off!

Big Brown loses to Denis of Cork in the Belmont.

You are right Jim, everyone who is actually involved in the sport of horse racing disagrees with you. Obviously, you know absolutely nothing about the real business of racing horses. The percentage of owners who turn a profit from their horses is tiny, even those who win big races operate at a loss most of the time. They own the horses because they love them and they love the sport not because they expect a profit. They are fortunate to have enough money that they can choose to enjoy the horses even when it is a losing proposition. The professional horsemen who are wealthy are few, most horsemen are living from paycheck to paycheck. And really, if "the mob" was involved do you think they would have allowed the exposure of the Eight Bells tragedy to spin out of control as long as it has? In fact, horse racing has been struggling for years. Don't you think if "the mob" ran horse racing it would have given the sport a boost long before now and allowed a triple crown winner? If the mafia owned racing all the tracks (and the barns) would look like Vegas rather than skid row. Instead racing is a real business subject to the vagaries of the free market. Racing is thrilled to have a hero like Big Brown, but we would all love to wait another 30 years for a chance at the triple crown if we could bring back Eight Belles. By the way Jim... 1-800-GET-A-LIFE    

Casino Drive.

Love the comments about Dennis of Cork.I had him in my roadtotheroses stable in Feb.Just curious,who else had the Derby stable and where did you finish? I finished 2500 out of 20000.I agree about the Belmont being a whole new ball game.Casino Drive has the breeding to get the job done and since they are going farther than any of them have gone before it could set up to be a great race.Im still a Dennis of Cork fan got to love those Harlan Holiday's!

The mafia????  The mafia has been dead and buried for years.  The horse is just better than the rest and has a chance to make history.  I say barring any shady riding he does it.  

Liz,

You are one smart lady. Lots of common sense logic in that essay.

As one who got to see Secretariat's 31 length demolition of the 1973 Belmont field, I hope that the Brown does not break Big Red's record. However I believe that we'll see Big Brown cruise by 10 lengths.

my reply to liz, ur too funny...why do u think horses at aqueduct get bet down to 4/5 quite often because theres inside information all the time at the big "A"...am not knocking big brown & i give him credit for winning 4 straight races!!!!! but he hasnt got into any troubled trips as of yet and i totally believe he hasnt had any good competition to speak of lately...now if the race was 1 mile to 7 furlongs, war pass would beat big brown, but war pass cant go past 1 1/16 and thats pushing it...the tampa bay derby was a fluke, he ran into lots of trouble and he didnt like the sandy surface at tampa...thats again my opinion....with the statement get a life, ur right i shouldnt bet horses..period!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ur entitled to ur opinion just like me, we still live in america i believe event though economy stinks!!!!!!!! also, i know some trainers at tampa downs and i know one owner and there not bitching or complaining or starving!!!!!!! face it, it the horse ran w/o a jockey, horseracing would be honest, but that would never happen....each horse would need a guided rail around them going around the track to stay on course..lol.....lets face it according to the days of adam & eve we all became sinners and that means that we all sin and jockeys, trainers & owners etc fix races, why because there sinners and there human!!!!!!!!!! now i believe we need war pass to be a rabbit for speed in the belmont & have an entry that will work together to give big brown i bad trip and then we will have an upset, if that doesnt happen, big brown will win the triple crown....oh wait, he will win the triple crown because the racing industry needs the big boost to the sport so more compulsive gamblers can lose there families and committ suicide....do u think that bothers the trainers, owners, grooms & jockeys!!!!!!!! unfortunaltely everyone in life has an addiction.

Denis of Cork will not beat Big Brown.  He actually lost ground to Big Brown in the stretch at the Derby.  Keep grasping at straws thinking he gets beat.  No way.  And Kent has always been great to me and my family when I have dealt with him.  

wouldnt it be nice to see gary stevens come out of retirement to run in the belmont stakes and beat big brown......lol

Man, this blog sure went south in a hurry! I thought this was supposed to be a great time for the horseracing industry.

 I hope Big Brown can win the triple crown, I think we have waited long enough.

 It really amazes me how people think Big Brown has faced no adversity? The horse has done everything that has been asked of him, and done it very well. Big Brown going a mile and a half, well from what I have seen, he looked like he could have run another mile after both the Derby and the Preakness.

 Anyway I hope this blog straightens out and all the nay sayers and people that think horse racing is all cheaters and mafia run, get a life!

well jshandler, that was nice of kent D: u should look forward to kent buying u all a lobster & prime rib dinner for belmontstakes now that he isnt starving for cash!!! but, unfortunately i have more respect for jerry bailey & gary stevens!!!!!!!! now, if jerry & gary come out of retirement to have a horse in belmont stakes then i will wager on there horse--lol

I have to agree with Joe. If any horse can beat BB at Belmont It will be Denis of Cork.  Borel will position him closer and he will be flying in the stretch.  He may not will but is probably the only one capable of keeping BB close.

The Belmont will be the most watched horse race in a long time, hopefully it goes well.  I'm sure Big Brown will win by ten.  I will have to figure out a straight trifecta and nail it.

Considerin' BB was practically walkin' across the finish line, I think he's got plently left for the Belmont.  As I recall, his fractions in the Florida Derby were faster than both the Derby and Preakness, and he won easily.

His feet are still a concern, though.  He seems to be holdin' up well, but anything can happen.  And I'm more than a bit worried about Casino Drive.  Good thing Kent D. was his jock in the Peter Pan.  At least he knows what he'll be up against.

Jim I work in the casino industry and we have all sorts of government supported outfits that would love to talk with you! You should be able to find one near you in the yellow pages.

after browns' win in florida i was pretty sure this was a special horse. now after two legs of the triple crown only bad luck will stop this machine. it will be good for the sport, but a shame he may not , or surely won't race past this year. as far as the trainer and jockey, your just jeolous, they make it interesting and colourful, something this sport desperately needs. Rock on Brown, go get them and give em hell.

I hope it is Big Brown, for everyone, especially to tribute Eight Belles who did wait twice in the strecth at the Derby. Dennis is real good, but no. Casino laid it out last race. The horse to be weary of is the Zito horse, Anak Nakal. Something about him I just admire. Do it Big Brown for all of us and all the wonderful horses.

I know this blog is about the Triple Crown and Big Brown, but I want to respond to Joe's comments about Lost in the Fog. Remember, unknown to anyone, Foggy became ill with cancer but was still racing. Although nobody knows for sure when he started getting sick, it could have been as early as the fall of 2005. That was when he raced in the BC. Even with the disease, he still won a graded stakes race, when his condition was no doubt advanced. If Foggy hadn't become ill, there's no telling how much more he would have accomplished. He accomplished a lot anyway, and was well deserving of the Eclipse Award.

Lost in the Fog won stakes races all over the country. In fact, he probably raced outside California more than within the state. Foggy was a great and courageous champion.

casino drive is the only hope for an upset, good luck big brown!

This Jim guy, needs to walk, no RUN away from this sport. If races were "fixed" as he states, we wouldn't have waited 30 years for a Triple Crown Win. Not only that but monies won on race day are determined by win, place, show on down. There is no Jock, trainer or owner that would allow races to be "fixed" causing them to make less money. Everyone of them have others to pay as well out of that money, grooms, assistant trainers, walkers, etc.  Jim wants them to bring War Pass in as a "rabbit?" What... run him with a fracture? You're an idiot (I apologize, but it's true) and the sport doesn't need negative people calling themselves fans. Get educated, I think Jason can help educate you. Read all of the articles on Bloodhorse and you will know that the MAJORITY of the connections are caring and loving people. Oh and by the way Jason, Macho Again sired by Macho Uno and Grandsire the great HOLY BULL: was on my exotics!! Loved that horse all season!! My main problem was I didn't figure Icabad Crane in....

God Bless

Big Brown is SPECTACULAR.  I am worried about Casino Drive at the distance in the Belmont.  I hit the SUPER in the Preakness.  I keyed Brown over the 2nd-4th and included Kentucky Bear who may have placed if he didn't miss the break and get stopped every time he tried to make a run.  As for Denis of Cork, he'll likely be third in the Belmont.  Had he come 2nd in the Derby I would have had the super.  ONly had 8 Belles on the 3rd and 4th lines! That one hurt.

I really like Casino Drive.  He showed up big in the Peter Pan and he has the siblings (or half-siblings I should say), Rags to Riches and Jazil, to prove he is a Belmont Stakes horse. But Big Brown has proved he is quite possibly the best horse in the world, period. I think its going to be a Real Quiet-Victory Gallop or Smarty Jones-Birdstone type finish, except this time, I think we are going to get a Triple Crown winner instead of an upset

I to hope that Big Brown manages to win the Belmont but one issue that's not yet been mentioned is his possible stamina limitations.

He is by Boundary, a Danzig line sprint bred sire out of a Nureyev mare.  I was a little surprised he last 10 furlongs in the Derby.  The extra 2 furlongs of the Belmont may be more of a problem than the competition, but he could just turn out to be that kind of freak we sometimes see.

I like Denis of Cork and he should have no problems with the distance of the Belmont and I'm intrigued with Casino Drive.  This is another sub-pot that's been overlooked so far, he could be the 3rd.straight winner of the race bred by his dam.  No that really is special.  

Dennis Of Cork is nowhere near Big Brown---no, it would take a good horse with the breeding, like Casino Drive--as well as Brownie just not being his best at 1 1/2 miles on dirt---methinks Big Brown gets the distance and its "Sayonora" Casino Drive/Hello Triple Crown!! I hope Kent just utilizes his natural cruising speed--no need to "play it safe" and wait on Casino Drive---just cruise right up to the lead, Kent, open up some lengths on Brownies natural speed---then showcase Big Brown in The Belmont stretch....This horse is pushbutton--I hope Kent knows this isn't Real Quiet---heck, I never thought that (Real Quiet's Belmont loss by a nose) was a bad ride at all---it's not Kent's fault Real Quiet couldn't last---RIDE BIG BROWN HIS WAY--cruise to the lead after 1/4 mile, just like Secretariat, and just slowly pull away---by the way did anybody notice the Peb feaux pas---to have Big Brown and Dutrow "working" for UPS---while delivering a "Priority Mail" package...anyway "Brownie's doing a helluva job....."

if he wins its going to be two in a row...2008...2009...mark my words!!!

Big Brown & Kent are in the Oh zone...

I am finally weighing in after everybody predicted Smarty et al would get the Crown... Big Brown has what it takes this year.  Yes, a bad trip will do in the best of 'em, but this guy hasn't needed much "luck" since he can hang out away from the madness til it's time to fire the burners.

I was sorry to find that Gayego couldn't look back and pin his Derby performance on that crush near the start... would have loved to see Gilded Time prove he could get a major contender.

Well, maybe my Damascus-grandson 2-yo colt will start gleaning some interest...at least from owners of Roberto-line mares.

Let's see.  Big Brown beat Macho Again, which hadn't placed in a graded stakes race before the Preakness and Icabod Crane (who would give a horse such a name?) which had won only a listed stakes race.  Let's just say Big Brown hasn't beaten much.  Not his falult, but still is the case.  

The only horse to beat BB in the Belmont is BB himself!  If that doesn't happen - there's not a 3yo in the States that can come near him.  That Japanese horse is the only one I'd even be concerned with - but with this being his - what - 3rd race lifetime?  To go 1 1/2 miles like that is going to be real tough.

Now, as to BB being retired to Three Chimneys - I'm really not surprised, but I find it interesting that Case Clay says that "we haven't seen what he's truly capable of."  Why won't we see this?  Because he is being retired as soon as the pictures are taken in the Belmont winner's circle!  It's a shame really!  I am looking forward to seeing BB face Curlin.

As for horses who almost won the TC - the original Blogger did not mention Silver Charm specifically.  That horse was a million times the animal that Real Quiet was and HE was mentioned!  I still consider Silver Charm one of the best!

Go BB!

Apparently, a lot of people will not admit that Brown had a good and fair race until he is beaten. I am sick of hearing all of the whiny people that keep saying Brown hasn't had a hard trip yet. Maybe because he is too good for anyone to give him a hard trip.  If a horse does beat him, then they will say the horse got lucky, so no horse is going to get a fair comment from some of you.  I wish we could all just enjoy seeing a great horse and be happy for him.  

PS, Kent may be arrogant and a guy with a past, but everyone makes bad choices.  They can be forgiven, and he and Brown are a dynamic team.  Guess you can tell who I am for in the Belmont.  :-)

Why do all of Jim's Jockeys have to come out of retirement and his horses out of thin air?  Just curious.

He seems like a very bitter man that has to live in the past to enjoy anything.  I feel sorry for him.  

I too hope that Big Brown loses only for the fact that I think if he wins the triple crown he will not race another race for whatever reason, foot problems, not feeling well anything to keep him out. If he loses we have a chance that he may race this summer and then on to the Breeders cup.

People like Jim who says that they are losers with no lives are really such. We all agree that Kent D, at one time was a little arrogant and immature, however he has shown significant change and irrespecive of what all you Jims think, he is a good rider and a decent person. Everyone deserves a second chance in life.

I wish you all the best Kent and enjoy your success.

As for Big Brown, he seems to be a horse that will win the Triple Crown. The Belmont would be the test of his career and I hope he can get in the winners circle. If he does, it will not be about about mafia or politics or Eight Belles. It would be because his is the best racehorse we have seen in 30 years. Congratulations and Good luck to all the connnections of Big Brown.

It amazes me of how so many people want a horse to lose because of either a jockey, owner, stud deals, etc.etc.etc.etc.

Reality is - Big Brown is a beautiful, intelligent horse that has drawn the masses to either the track or the T.V.  

Just enjoy the moment.  If he wins the Triple Crown - stand up & cheer with all your might, as he is a dandy one.  If he loses - remember his great moments and carry on.

I am rooting for that special horse named "Big Brown" and I hope I am jumping up & down, cheering with all my might.  It has been a LONG time since I saw the Affirmed/Alydar duel and there was nothing quite like the celebration afterwards when Affirmed sealed the deal.

Most importantly, safe journey to all in the Belmont.

does it really matter if Big Brown wins the triple crown? If he does(and I hope so)he will be sent away in an armored UPS truck to stud. I was looking forward to seeing him run against Curlin in the Breeders Cup.

Big Brown had the most amazing turn of foot I have ever seen in the Preakness.  Kent never really asked him for anything, he just let him run. He danced across the finish line and Kent said the hardest part was getting him to slow down after the race was over. This horse has class and if you study his bloodlines, he has the ability to go the distance and then some. I love this horse. What is there not to love? Even if you don't like the jockey or the trainer, give credit where credit is due.

Jason congrates on your winning ticket! I knew I was sunk out of the gate with Riley Tucker when they sent him to the front.I had him for third in my TRI, so I watched Kentucky Bear. Had him for second,and he didn't get the best of trips.There was no need to keep an eye on BB cause he was just gallpping along.When Secretariat won the Triple Crown they did a bunch of measurements on him and the results were that he had a very efficent stride.I remember reading about that.I wonder if they could do the same thing with BB?I think this horse is built so well and has the nessary heart and desire to be one of the greats.I have never seen a horse move over the ground as well as him.

OK Jim, now you suggest that the problem is jockeys, trainers, and owners fixing races. It sounds like you are pretty sour on all of horse racing. Obviously, dishonest people and practices exist in the racing world, just as they do in every population. If you think racing  operates at a higher level of "evil" than does the rest of the world, I can't help but wonder why an obviously learned person such as yourself, who clearly has expended much energy considering the flaws of this business, would continue to risk any time or money betting on "fixed" races? It may surprise you to know that the actual horse owners, trainers, and jockeys are not in this business for the benefit or detriment of the gamblers. They are only in the business because they love the animals and the experience of developing horses to run and compete at the top of their ability. The gambling is a by product for these people, not the focus. The administrators of the tracks are obviously concerned with the handle, and the bottom-line, because that is their part of the business. The horse people however, would continue to raise and race horses if the only reward was a blue ribbon, and a trophy, or the right to say "I crossed the line first." If you don't believe me, go watch a high level horse show with multi-million dollar horses competing for a scrap of blue silk and a cheap tin trophy. You speak of the compulsive gamblers who lose everything and question whether the horse people have any compassion for those gamblers. I am sorry if you have known someone with the sad history of that disease. If so, you have learned the hard fact that all gambling, from the stock market to the race track, should only be done with disposable income, money one can afford to lose without injury to ones' financial security. At no time should anyone place a wager from which they are depending on a winning return to cover a necessary expense. You are clearly very intelligent and very passionate about the races, I hope you will become a fan who learns to enjoy the horses themselves and not just see them as a means to an end.

With that said, as much as I want to see a Triple Crown happen, I do hope to see a competitive race at Belmont. I hope the field will put up a great race for Big Brown. I would love to see him tested by Casino Drive and give the fans a real reason to believe in the depth of this grand horse.          

Well, it seems everyone has an opinion, though not all appear to have a clue about that of which they speak. ("jim", if this site had a moron meter, you'd be outta luck, buddy!)

Anyway, perhaps the best we can do is look at what people are saying that DO know what they're talking about. Two references will suffice:

From Penny Chenery (owner of the late Secretariat): I plan on being at the Belmont. I don't know if Secretariat could keep up with Big Brown. I won't speculate.

From Bob Baffert (no intro needed I hope): Big Brown is a great horse. I've trained very good horses, and they come with cautions. Great horses don't need excuses made for them; they're just great.

So, yes, anything can happen (witness Spectacular Bid's safety pin issue which kept racing from having its 3rd Triple Crown winner in as many years), and there is no sure bet, but those who know seem to think this horse is pretty doggone special. It doesn't matter if the competition has been light; he's had great trips under an extraordinary jockey, and doesn't appear to have had to really work hard yet.

I'm most disappointed that talk of retirement after the Belmont is going around. Iavarone is a pompous, well, you know, and it's a shame to keep such a great horse from racing as long as he wants to. I for one really want to see a match up with Curlin, and we'll never have the complete story on Big Brown if he leaves so soon.

Just some thoughts.

AT LEAST JON IS RIGHT, BIG BROWN HASNT COME UP AGAINST ANY REAL COMPETITION...SINCE THE LADY TOLD ME THAT WAR PASS GOT HURT, I WAS UNAWARE OF THAT!!! SO I GUESS THE ONLY HORSE THAT CAN GIVE BIG BROWN A CHALLENGE ARE CASINO DRIVE OR TALE OF EKATI "IF HE IS ENTERED"......I DO HAVE A LIFE...TY

I am a first time owner.  I have one partner and have two horses running.  I can tell you that I personally love my horses and spend as much time feeding and rubbing on them as possible.  I believe that most owners care for their animals very much and are just trying to stay in the game, which isn't easy. I have, however, seen owners that have literally run their horses (and good ones at that) into the ground.  (yes, I do mean dead).  These are the people who are no good for the game.  The problem is they have so many that they never get to develop a personal bond.  When you do it becomes more than a business or expensive hobby.  We will, unfortunately, always see such owners and hear many sad stories.  As for Big Brown he has done nothing wrong although this crop is not spectacular. (so far)  I rooted against him in the derby from a wagering perspective but hoped that if he could overcome post 20 and 3 lifetime starts then we may have a superhorse on our hands.  Watching the Preakness alone I found my self applauding as he made that huge move and glided across the finish line.  Let's just hope they all come home safe in the Belmont and enjoy the moment.  It has been 30 years and another 30 would be too darn long.  

If you read the articles today, Dutrow states if all goes well,BB will be pointed towards the Breeders cup classic.  I believe his racing career will end after his 3 year old season.

Let's not start the coronation just yet!   i really LIKE BIG BROWN but in order for THIS horse to be called great, he's got to get by CASINO DRIVE, DENIS OF CORK AND the "Big Sandy" of belmont's 1 and 1/2 miles.

The only way this horse should be mentioned as GREAT is if they have the guts to send him up against......CURLIN!   At least CURLIN's owner is keeping HIM around.....once again we'll see a horse go to stud as a 3 yr old for the almight dollar and the HECK with the race fans!

The only thing that can beat Big Brown is the Distance of the Belmont, ala Pleasant Colony, Silver Charm, etc, etc. Casino Drive has to be taken seriously as a half brother to 2 recent Belmont winners and a win over the track, his inexperience will be a factor I believe. I think the added weight will affect Casino Drive moreso than BB since BB's been carrying the extra weight in his last two starts with no ill effects. Casino Drive my press BB however the last quarter mile will be BB's biggest test. Geez Woody must be smiling about now.

I'm thinking Big Brown, Casino Drive, Denis of Cork, in that order.  I don't think Big Brown's margin of victory will be as great--Casino Drive has a flowing stride that's just beautiful to watch.  

As for Jim: if nothing else, perhaps he should reacquaint himself with proper grammar and spelling.  I am firmly convinced that anyone who uses a herd of exclamation marks frequently are rambling idiots.

Glad to see that someone else (Joe) noticed how Denis of Cork finished in the Kentucky Derby. He was closing and closing well which very much suggested that the 1 1/2 mile Belmont Stakes would be to his liking, I have been very high on this horse but must admit to sentimental reasons as well as my family is from County Cork, Ireland and I have an Uncle Dennis. However, I would not be too surprised to see Big Brown and Casino Drive dueling it out and then have Denis of Cork with Calvin Boreal ease past on the rail or for that matter slip past on the outside. Don't count this horse out just yet, I remeber when people were excited about him when he was undefeated as well. I like Big Brown but will wait awhile before calling him great and besides he still has to meet up with a great horse in the Breeder's Cup Classic who goes by the name of Curlin.

I THINK BIG BROWN CAN MAKE IT IN BELMONT AND HIS OWNERS CAN'T RETIRE THE HORSE BEFORE BREEDER'S CUP CLASSIC BECAUSE THE  FANS(PEOPLE'S THAT SUPPORT THE INDUSTRY)WANTS TO SEE BIG BROWN RUNS AGAINST REAL GOOD HORSES,LIKE CURLIN BUT EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEND AFTER THE WIN:STALL IN A FARM FOR AT LEAST 100.000.    

I agree Denis of Cork is the best of the rest, thanks to him I hit the tri at CHD. Casino Drive should make an interesting addition to the final run. He is a very high toned individual and can't be ignored. The Belmont may end up the best race we have seen on the triple crown trail this year, that would be a great way to end the season. But as we have been reminded, it only takes the blink of an eye and a safety pin to change the whole story. I'm pulling for Big Brown and a hotly contested race.    

His performance in the Preakness showed that Big Brown is not only untested but also on the improve.  It is an awesome thought to think what his performance will be like if he gets tested by a crackerjack colt like Casino Drive in the Belmont Stakes. If this Japanese-owned colt can finish within five lengths of Big Brown we will all agree that he too is something special.  The reports suggest that he has the tactical speed, finishing kick and pedegree to try testing the "BIG ONE" however that is left to be seen.  I believe that Dennis Of Cork is a good colt and might upset Casino Drive for second money.  it is disappointing that the Breeder's Cup will be on the synthetic surface at Santa Anita this year and so I am wishing that the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont will become the championship race where we see the match up of Curlin and Big Brown.  A victory over Curlin on "big sandy" would once and for all shut up the skeptics and place Big Brown undisputedly among the immortals such as Secretariat, Spectacular Bid and Man O'War even if he doesn't race as a four year old.  

I would be thrilled to have him win the Triple Crown. However, a naughty part of me will be rooting for Casino Drive. That would be just too neat to have yet another offspring of that tremendous mare Better Than Honour win the Belmont. The belmont will go either of two ways--Big brown puts on a performance ala Secretariat, or he gets nipped a nose by Casino Drive.  

Happily, it does look promising that the Big Boy might hang around for a real show at Santa Anita with Curlin. If we are lucky enough to see a triple crown this year, then a meeting between Big Brown and Curlin in the BC would be nothing short of a coronation for the victor, whomever wins that day.

As for the grumbling about retiring the big horse, I hate that as well. I understand, from an insurance point of view, at this time it is not possible to insure a horse beyond $30M and that leaves too much open liability to keep him on the track. Very sad for all of us who love a great horse, but understandable from the vantage point of his many investors. By now the public should be well versed in how easily accidents can happen to these animals.

By the way, major kudos to Jess Jackson for keeping a fabulous horse like Curlin on the track. That horse is an absolute freak in his own right.        

How in the world does the 2 biggest jerk trainers in the world like Dutrow and Asmussen get the 2 best horses on the planet BB and The Great Curlin?  BB is the real deal but I can't stand anyone of his connections. Crybaby and dirty jock, cheater, and crooked owners. One heck of a race horse!

Da Big Ole Browneye will be a Triple Crown Champion. My Uncle Louie the Henchman gurantees it or heads will roll. This horsie has made a believer outta me. He accelerates like a Porsche and cruises like a Mercedes. The rest of this class are like my Uncle Louies Classic Model T. Did you watch a replay and notice how many times Biggie changed speeds and reaccelerated at Kenny D's call? Not many can do that and keep running. What a thrill to watch him run, what a shame he's done after the Belmont. Enjoy a little bit of history before it fades away into Three Chimneys.

Jim: I think it is agreed by almost everyone that he hasn't faced much competition yet- he won the Derby and the Preakness by 4 3/4 lengths and 5 1/4 lengths, respectively. And with your predictions about Tale of Ekati possibly beating Big Brown, sure he won the Wood but he lost to Big Brown in the Derby with a 4th place finish and lost to Pyro in the Louisiana Derby with a 6th place finish. He's going to have to do a little more than a Wood Memorial victory to be a contender to beat Big Brown. But I agree with you about Casino Drive. Read my first comment. I think Casino Drive will give him a run for his money in the Belmont. But in the end, I think it will take an older horse like Curlin to beat Big Brown. The three-year-old field is just too weak this year.

Ran, I agree that it is a shame that the BC is on the synthetic at Santa Anita...and again next year. I agree the Jockey Club Gold Cup on the beautiful track at Belmont would be much better venue for a confrontation between Big Brown and Curlin. We can dream can't we?

Depressing to think we can't get the surfaces figured out. Somewhere there must be an engineer/agriculturist/scientist/... or maybe magician, who can figure out a surface solution for this business. Currently tracks are paying $1M and more per furlong for the unsatisfactory surfaces they are trying now, I'm pretty sure there is money to be made...

I cashed the Preakness trifecta on a $10 bet.  I'll also beat Big Brown with Casino Drive in the Belmont.

Pity that so many people who are allegedly lovers of horse racing want to see a possible Triple Crown winner get turned over, and for such bizarre reason.  Not liking the trainer, thinking the jockey is arrogant etc.  Please get a grip.......

I live in the UK and am an avid fan of American racing.  With all the negative stuff going on in the sport right now you need every positive spin that's possible. A Triple Crown winner would do nicely but as a number of posters have suggested, he's yet to cream anything remotely in the ball park that Curlin has faced.  

Am I to greedy to hope that they may ever face each other?

Big Brown is that rare athlete with physical talent and a great mind to match. His Preakness win was so impressive because of the way he responded to Kent Desormeaux throughout the race. When Kent needed him to slow down on the backstretch, Big Brown responded and pulled back. When Kent asked him for run at the top of the stretch, Big Brown responded with his phenomenal kick.

What a terrific horse, and it's just too bad we won't see him race again after the Belmont. Let's hope he puts on a show for the ages.

Liz, since we are looking beyond the Triple Crown and dreaming of an amazing match-up with Curlin and Big Brown, don't you think that even a crazy idea like a match up at Longchamp on the grass in the Prix del Arc D'Triomphe would be better than the Breeder's Cup at Santa Anita this year if the Jockey Club Gold Cup doesn't work out, since Curlin's connections are considering it and we already know that Big Brown is really a grass horse masquerading on dirt?

Actually I am sorry for my comments to the horse industry. I am wrong & yes i am a compulsive gambler who needs help desperately!!! God bless, jim

Eight Belles is watching Big Brown from horse heaven. She's got the inside scoop, and her heaven-sent money is on him. Why don't we all take a tip from the LADY who knows, and go with a proven winner?

who wins big brown or curlin?

The only way Big Brown meets Curlin is if he loses the Belmont, and it may not be in the BC on synthetic, I don't think Steve A would like the switch in surfaces which Curlin may not like. Either they run the BC on dirt or switch all tracks to synthetic. This will make it equal for all those involved. Anyway, I don't like Dutrow because he is not a humble individul, and I don't like Kent D because he only rides hard for name trainers and name horses. Go Casino!

Jim, how about trading one addiction for another? As you said, everyone has some addiction, mine is horses, not betting, but the animals. Have you ever spent a day around horses, riding, brushing, etc? The old  saying "what's good for the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man" are the truest words ever spoken. A full day working around horses will wear you out and give you peace that chasing the tri never will. Good luck, I can tell you are too smart to let gambling hold you down for long.

Hey Ran, that is a brilliant idea! I would definitely go to Longchamp to see those two big horses run on the green. Maybe we can start a petition...

Wonder how IEAH would respond to that kind of attention? :)

Clay, if you mean that Steve won't put his horse on the synthetic at SA, Ran and I have also tossed that idea and decided we like Gold Cup, or Ran has even reached for the stars and suggested the Arc...  

What the heck... we are all armchair quarterbacks in here, we might as well be training the great ones while we are at it!  

I hope Big Brown gets beat. I dont think he's had to beat a quality field yet, and I think Kent D is the only deserved winner. Dutrows done too many things wrong. And Big Brown is going to be retired after this year? Whats the point of a Triple Crown winner if we cant enjoy him for a while?

Thanks Liz, I thought I was the only one that thinks Steve A won't run in SA, Why take the chance, maybe Curlin goes to Japan or big dirt in Europe at the end of the year. I predict he retires after Gold Cup. And yes Kim BB hasn't met any quality and could be overrated.

not much was said about the filly who ran 2nd in the Derby. The field was not trying to catch Big Brown, they were trying to outrun the mare. Big Brown is not in Secretariet's class, but place him first at the 2008 Belmont.

Just read about BB running down slightly.Horses run down for a reason.His feet may be bothering him a little bit.If they start stinging in front they will shift their weight behind.Something to think about anyway.

(1) On BB - I doubt he has run his best race yet. The Belmont may not prove to be his best, but regardless, it very well conceivably could be his last before moving on to get acquainted with his new family at Three Chimneys as he prepares for stud duty. Hope BB's own inspired breeding will similarly allow him to stamp his foals-- can still not figure out how he went for a comparatively mere $190K at the Keeneland April 2007 sale. For any of his foals to go that cheaply they will have to have some major conformation issues-- like having only three legs? :-)

(2) On Kent D- he is a rider's rider, and he made sure BB still has gas left in the tank coming into the Belmont with the trip he gave him in the Preakness. Kent and BB  connect--make for a first class team.

(3) Casino Drive- sweet horse, lightly raced and should be fresh for the Belmont, yet may not be, with even more of a prospect he will bounce? I think so--call it the "quarantine factor"-- how many times has the first race out of isolation been outstanding, followed by an egg in the next start? Ask Steve Haskins, please, before you crown him the most likely candidiate to take BB down.

(4) Look to horses other than Casino Drive if you (a) think there is a horse other than BB who can beat BB or (b) you are looking to fill out the bottom of your exotics-- and please remember, I AM the non-handicapper who pointed you pros here on Jason's blog to both Racecar Rhapsody AND Icabad Crane for that same purpose in the Preakness. Depending on how Icabad Crane comes out of the Preakness, I would not be one bit surprised to see owner Ambassdor Mack and trainer extraordinary HG Motion run him in the Belmont to yet another in-the-money finish-- he is, after all,a New York-bred, and the distance should not phase him. Casino Drive not the only nice horse in the probable Belmont field with a "Japan connection"-- Tale of Ekati by Tale of the Cat out of Japan's Silence Beauty worth a look here. As for Casino Drive's dam's documented ability to throw Belmont Stakes winners, Better Than Honour bringing us both Rags to Riches and Jazil, please also recall Anak Nakal is by Victory Gallop, your 1998 Belmont Stakes winner.

(5)Have to laugh when reading a BB win at Belmont "has to happen" in order to "save the sport". Absolutely: having in the Triple Crown winner's circle a trainer who has doped both himself and his horses is exactly what the industry needs, no doubt. If only Bill Mott's Majestic Warrior had been able to run, Barclay Tagg's Elysium Fields not melted down, and speaking of two other horses I had as two-year olds on my "Derby Trail Watch List", composed back on Christmas Day, whatever became of He's Solid Gold and Powerhouse?

Is this crop truly that bad, or did the racing gods simply choose to deny us the pleasure of  perhaps seeing a couple more of its best? That's the nature of the vetting process, and why as any good trainer will advise, "you prepare for the worst and hope for the best".

With regards to the horse running down, I know Dutrow reset him right before the race and it sounded like he took some heel off of him. I'm just glad to know it wasn't really quarters, but abcesses the horse had dealt with previously, surely they are cautious enough to manage that. Did make me nervous to hear about taking that heel though...  

Clay: the connections of Curlin have already mentioned Japan as well as the Arc. It's great to see someone really put a champion out there and let him prove himself in front of the whole world.

Big Brown hasn't faced any real competition? I read this blog before the derby and everyone said how great War Pass is and Coronel John and Dennis of Cork, Other than War Pass, BB has made the rest of them look like claimers. I can't help but think he would have easily beaten War Pass also. Tale of Ekati and Big Truck beat War Pass, I know people will give War Pass a break but still have no respect for Big Brown.

 I guess my question is, if BB had won by a nose in the Derby and the Preakness would the people think the fields were competetive, or is it because BB comes out of the 20th post postion and steamrolls the competion that no one thinks he has faced any competion??

 Face it, the horse is a freak and so far is far superior to the rest of the 3 yr olds!

Honestly, both Denis of Cork and Casino Drive have an excellent chance in the Belmont. I think the extra distance in the Belmont will phase Big Brown badly enough for one of the closers to run past him.

#1. BB is the real deal.  Who cares if some say he has beat no one?  For one, he has beaten all comers and by what ever he desires. How many years have the preakness had 12 horses?  #2 it isn't BB's fault everyone else is average.  I wasn't a fan of BB but I am know and I hope he makes the sweep and I hope it is impressivly.  As far as the owners and Jockey, who cares? BB don't know any different, All the power to him and I hope it gets fans interested in racing again.  A converted BB fan.  Romp on BIG BROWN.  

hi liz, i hear its a rough job taking care of those horses!! am not that smart because i cant stop betting, i stopped for 1 yr once. when derby time comes i got the triple crown itch & i know i will probably bet on belmont stakes day and i will watch races on tv & buy a nice italian meal & sit in my recliner. i really hope tale of ekati runs because i will put him for second behind BB. i honestly believe the more races tale of ekati has the better he will get. i love tale of the cat horses & also ap indy horses!!! goodluck all

I do not understand why people would not want big brown as a triple crown winner. Who cares if you think dutrow is arrogant or kent d has a smug demeanor? The rest of the world will only know the horse. Big Brown is a special animal who is the only horse who has proven anything this year. Sorry he does not have an Alydar, Victory Gallop or even a Sham but he is giving horse racing a chance to gain prominence again. For the horse racing fan I am, I would love to see this. Yes I will be like you and figure the best way to profit from the belmont with casino drive, denis of cork or any other horse that can give me a bigger profit. I would also love to see history once again.

we have an idea whos running in belmont & my horse "tale of ekati" is running.As of Monday, two horses out of the Preakness - Macho Again and Icabad Crane - and three from the Derby - Denis of Cork, Tale of Ekati, and Anak Nakal - were scheduled to face Big Brown in the 1 1/2-mile Belmont, along with Casino Drive, Tomcito, and possibly Behindatthebar, Ready's Echo, and Spark Candle.

I say Big Brown will blow them away in the homestretch like he did in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Big Brown went up against all odds in the Kentucky Derby by breaking from the 20th position and then breaking from the 7th position in the Preakness. And they he was going to have a problem with that. Think again; Kent put him to where he thought he was most comfortable and that was on the pace(And in both races).He is a superb horse with so much talent that we don't know what he really can do. I think BB is going to win the Belmont by 7 and become the 12 horse to win the triple crown in the 30 years of its history. Just because Dutrow had a lot of ups and downs in his life and so has Kent, is no reason to put them down. I hope BB beats the pants(speaking literally) off of the other horses and gives us what we have all been waiting for-A Triple Crown Winner! GO BIG BROWN....You are the best!

Nothing is for sure in any sport. Look at what happened to the New England Patriots this year. Great teams (although the Patriots were not one) get beat. And so do most great horses.

Real Quiet only lost because of an incredibly pre-mature move by Kent Desormeaux.

Big Brown is one of the best horses to step foot on any race track anywhere.

He is an absolute super star that will win the Belmont and the Triple Crown unless he gets sick, breaks down, or gets one of the most horrible rides of all time.

This colt has brilliant ability and you have to remember one thing....he is getting better! The Beyer speed figure of 100 is an absolute joke. That is why Beyers should be thrown out! My goodness, the performance was BETTER than the Derby where he "earned a 109".

As far as Dutrow. He is awesome. Not only in his training ability but he personality. He is refreshing. Not like most of these guys. We don't need any more Bill Mott's or Todd Pletcher's running around boring everyone to death.

When you look at what Big Brown has done and how he has done it...there is only one word you can use to describe this colt....BRILLIANT!

hey LES CRADDOCK, I finished 3650 and didn't create  my stable until just before 2-24. I was there when Seattle Slew won the crown. I remember Ruffian,and did see Forego,Genuine Risk and a few others run. I am leary when a horse is called great before big races. It would be great to have a Triple Crown, and I agree with someone else here ,that if there is I think it will be another back to back 08,09 Triple Crown year.  I also think that Eight Belles ran a great race,and will be missed by all.  I think it will be an exiciting Belmont Stakes. Hope to see BB go head to Head with Curlin later this year.  

OOPS sorry , I meant Wanda not Les craddock in regards to the derby game results....I was 3650.  But I also think if BB is beat it will be Casino Drive. They should honor his Dam.  I also looked at the cross for Giant Causeway and Rags to Riches in the stallion register for hypo crosses. all I can say is I can't wait to see that foaland how it does as a 2 and 3 yr old.

Big Brown runs like a turf horse so he should love Santa Anita, which played like a turf course--he reminds me of "Bid" the way he separates so quickly---he'll probably retire 8 for 8 after trouncing them, (incl Curlin) in BC Classic....up to this point, "The Bid" had trounced better, incl General Assembly, but even the feet problems are similar as "the Bid" was lame every now and then and still danced every dance--but that's what inspires me: knowing what's great and seeing it again--as if for the first time!

Jason-- on BB running in the BC, you are correct: the only question about BB post-Belmont Stakes career is which Three Chimneys stall he will occupy. Do they place him over in the "barn" (I place that in quotes because we should all live in such surroundings) where the late Slew o' Gold spent his last days, or more likely, since Albert the Great has left Three Chimneys to stand 5 miles down the road from me at Pin Oak in New Freedom, PA, maybe BB headed to that stall? Is Robert Clay talking?  If not, I would suggest you ask Dutrow if Dynaformer, Exchange Rate, Smarty Jones, Point Given, Flower Alley, or any of the others standing stud duty at Three Chimneys have told him or BB which stall he is headed to :-)

See these items from TC history below.  If Big Brown wins the Triple Crown, the Belmont and his Triple Crown victory will only be his EIGHTH career start.  Is that a champion, really???

AFFIRMED (USA) ch. H, 1975 - 29 Starts, 22 Wins, 5 Places, 1 Shows Career Earnings: $2,393,818

SEATTLE SLEW (USA) br. H, 1974 - 17 Starts, 14 Wins, 2 Places, 0 Shows Career Earnings: $1,208,726

SECRETARIAT (USA) ch. H, 1970 - 21 Starts, 16 Wins, 3 Places, 1 Shows Career Earnings: $1,316,808

CITATION (USA) b. H, 1945 - 45 Starts, 32 Wins, 10 Places, 2 Shows Career Earnings: $1,085,760

ASSAULT (USA) ch. H, 1943 - 42 Starts, 18 Wins, 6 Places, 8 Shows Career Earnings: $675,470

COUNT FLEET (USA) br. H, 1940 - 21 Starts, 16 Wins, 4 Places, 1 Shows Career Earnings: $250,300

WHIRLAWAY (USA) ch. H, 1938 - 60 Starts, 32 Wins, 15 Places, 9 Shows Career Earnings: $561,161

WAR ADMIRAL (USA) br. H, 1934 - 26 Starts, 21 Wins, 3 Places, 1 Shows Career Earnings: $273,240

OMAHA (USA) ch. H, 1932 - 22 Starts, 9 Wins, 7 Places, 2 Shows Career Earnings: $154,755 (NA & UK)

GALLANT FOX (USA) b. H, 1927 - 17 Starts, 11 Wins, 3 Places, 2 Shows Career Earnings: $328,165

SIR BARTON (USA) ch. H, 1916 - 31 Starts, 13 Wins, 6 Places, 5 Shows Career Earnings: $116,857

Jason just read your comment about BB a no show at BC.Well all I can say about that is I guess he's ducking Curlin not the other way around.That should generate a few comments! Just caught the results from Woodbine yesterday,Home for Haran(Harlan's Holiday) broke the track record for 6 1/2F in a MSW and won by 10 lenghs!

I keep reading that people want BB to lose cause they don't like the connections. I don't like that juicer Dutrow either but he seems to being doing right by the horse so far. I've always liked BB but worried about Kent D. as his rider. He scared me when he forgot his whip then seemed too nervous. I thought, oh crap, here we go again, but when he climbed on he was dialed in. When Kent D is in the zone, he is dangerous! If he shows up in the Belmont the way he did in the Preakness, and he knows Casino Drive, I believe he can ride a tactical race, saving his horse-again-and kick clear.

There is some question in his pedigree about stamina, but is he a freak? I think so. On a side note, it's also refreshing to see a horse relaxed in the saddling area. He does seem very smart.

Curlin and BB? Sadly I don't think it will ever happen. The whole insurance issue is why in a nut shell. As much as I like BB, I think Curlin would crush him. If they were both 4yr olds I think it would level the playing field and make for a hell of a race.

I'm seeing BB sweep the TC this year. He's got 3 weeks to deal with his heals and he came out a fresh horse.

Oh and a note on Foggy. I flew across the country to see him win the King's Bishop. That was at Saratoga for those of you who didn't think he was much.

By the way Liz, nice comment to Jim.

Let me add my comments I omitted from my previous post on the Triple Crown winners: win, lose or draw, BB is not racing much beyond his 3 year old year - and likely not much past the Triple Crown unless he doesn't win......

by the way dawne, i aolologized for my remarks i made on this post, again am sorry for my comments!!!

Jason, I know you are right about the big horse  not making the BC. Dutrow was making noise about it for a day or two, but I know it is not going to happen. Ran and I were just playing "imaginary trainers" for a minute. Too bad, we are all the losers when he leaves the track. I think everyone discounted my comment about the inability to insure the horse up to his actual value on paper as being an issue, but it is a determining factor in deciding his future. I know that information from a principle in the insurance negotiations. I know many people think his connections are being selfish but sometimes these things are really out of anyone's control.    

Hey Jim, I didn't interpret Dawne's comment as a bash on you, rather I  believed that she agreed that there are other ways you can learn to enjoy the horses, and that you appear passionate enough to pull yourself out of the gambling thing and make a positive turn for the better. Don't stress about it, your earlier comments are forgotten by me.

Jim you seem like a pretty nice guy,and I'm sorry for the remarks I posted on the 18th.Hey let's start over and start handicapping the Belmont! Deal Jim?

I'm surprised the connections used Kent D. on Casino Drive in the Peter Pan. You would think they'd want the same rider on in the 'PP' and for the Belmont, if this is their ultimate goal. My guess is they'll use Edgar Prado, John Velazquez or Garret Gomez. I'd like to see Alex Solis win a Belmont. The wise choice I think would be to use Prado. This (the Belmont)is a spot where Pincay used to excel in. Pincay savored moments like these. Where is Laffit when you need him!?

This horse ran the worst buyers speed figure in the Preakness since Prairie Bayou in 1993, and you folks think he is Spectacular Bid or Secretariat. The only thing freaky about this triple crown is how bad every single horse is other than Big Brown who is a really, really good horse. Until he faces older horses he's just another 3 year old hyped up horse, like Bernardini.

I just returned from maryland and I can't believe the comments made by such a bunch of uninformed Id's.If you are really a true fan of horse racing you should be applauding the accomplishments of such a fine animal.I say again all you 2$ bettors who bet denis of cork and thought he would beat BB give it up, they are not even close,if they ran 5 miles BB would still beat DOC by 5.Michael I and Richard S are among the finest people I have ever met in this business,Richard D. and Kent D.have both have had demons in there lifes but'have overcome and prevailed. give it a break if you lost your 2 bucks find some other place to vent this is getting ridiculous.

We have a saying where I come from,the more you bad mouth a horse the more you move him up!

Several of you have made reference to BB's ability to run a mile and a half, and at least based on paper, it is an interesting point.

He sure seems to have a wonderful heart-lung engine (he didn't  appear to be in the least bit "winded", much less blowing, to me after  either the FL or KY Derbys or the Preakness, his coat even looked dry around the girth, and I sure didn't see even a raised blood vessel on his neck or rear.

One suspects he went for $190K at the 2 YO Keeneland sale precisely because of the lack of classical stamina in his pedigree. As I recall, his sire, Boundary, made all eight of his career starts as a sprinter, and the average winning distance of Boundary offspring on the order of 7 furlongs.

So, how DOES he make it around two turns? Well, not due to the Dam's influence, either: Mien and the bottom of BB's pedigree, with the notable exception of the Second Dam, Lear Fan, who has produced some top-shelf routers like 1992 Kentucky Derby runner-up Casual Lies, sure lacks in the stamina factor as well.

So, what is Big Brown and where DOES he come from? Case of the recessive genes lining up like the planets in an inter-glactic eclipse? Sure gives the breeders something to think about when bringing mares to his breeding shed, although I somehow doubt you folks who think he cannot go a mile and a half can really take much  handicapping comfort from any of this. His tank sure looks big enough to me.

90 Proof-your confused. BB closed in 19:08 which is one of the fastest closing fractions in Preakness history. How can you not agree with Insider P? This horse should be rewarded for his accomplishments. Instead, all you naysayers are looking for an excuse not to like him. Too bad your coming up short. BB has done nothing wrong and can race from anywhere on the track. For those of you that still think he has had no competition, think again. I won't post the times again but you do the research. Check out Street Sense's winning derby time, Curlins preakness time, Smarty's preakness time and Barbaro's derby time. He is in good company with more than enough left in the tank. As I stated in another blog, BB has the mind to go with the tremendous turn of foot. That is what makes him so dangerous. I hope he wins. This sport needs a triple crown winner. BB deserves to win and on top of it all, he is exciting to watch. GO BIG BROWN!!!

Big Brown won the Preakness cantering like a show horse most of the way. How many classic races does anyone remember where the jockey had too much horse? That's the reason his Beyer was so low, the race just didn't call on much of his range. I think he is a grand horse who was born with the heart and lungs to get the route at Belmont. I do wish he could have had more depth to the works behind him, but it is what it is. I love the looks of Casino Drive and respect his family history, and I want a tough race, but I am pulling for a triple crown.  

For those who are knocking Kent, I know he is a very intense guy who  puts his whole soul into what he does. That is not to say that I have never had an issue with him, I  have, but I can tell you that he has grown a great deal. I think his children have given him perspective and I bet he will keep his cool and (this time) he will make a smart ride at Big Sandy and get the triple crown.    

Denis of Cork?  He doesn't have a chance against Big Brown, want proof?  See the Kentucky Derby.  It will not be a horse that beats Brown, its going to take Brown being stuck behind a few horses that will almost have to purposly block him in and sacrfice their own race for the sake of Brown losing.  No single horse can beat Brown by simply being better.  Certainly not Denis of Cork.  I would like to see Colonel John and Behindatthebar run in the Belmont.  Maybe they can make it interesting in a 4 lengths behind big brown sort of way.

Hey Jim,

No bashing here. I was referring to Liz's encouraging post. Good luck to you.

Interesting Mike, I did watch the Derby and reviewed it a few times, funny how everyone was high on Denis of Cork when he was undeated. This horse had traffic to go around to get on the rail and through it all was closing pretty good, he had alot to make up in distance so when you put it in perspective he has a good chance of chasing Big Brown down and could pass him in the stretch, remember Birdstone surprising everyone when he did just that to Smarty Jones. I don't think that everyone is beating up on Big Brown he is a really good racehorse and the way he shot from the others in the Preakness was impressive but the Belmont Stakes is a tough race, it's 1 1/2 miles and is the test of champions. If Big Brown does it we will all be happy but I think most are letting their emotions concerning the trainer, the jockey and the IEAH Stables get in the way of truly assessing Big Brown's abilities. We want to see him perform more and show that he has the class and heart of a great one. It's there, let's just give the horse a chance to prove that he deserves the Crown. It's a very special Crown and after 30 years we are all hungry for a champion. We may get one this year or have to wait longer, all we can do is wait and see.

I'm an exotics player.  My super was BB over Gayego, Racecar and Icabad. (Jeremy Rose was en fuego on the undercard!) I didn't think Dallas Stewarts horse would get out from the rail.  I've read a couple of posts, wondered if anyone else came out on top.

Dawne,

I hit the tri at CDH, I'm still high from that one.

I had BB on top of Macho Uno at the Preakness, unfortunately, I had Kentucky Bear behind him. But, the day wasn't a huge loss, I hit tris in the distaff and the Hirsh Jacobs... and I singled the filly in the Oaks. Better than average weekend!

Can't expect that kind of luck to hold, might need to quit for the rest of the year. ;)

I have been a horseracing fan my whole life. I spend countless hours and money on this sport. And i would love nothing more than to see big brown get beat, i agree a triple crown winner would be great for the sport. But how come nobody is talking about dutrow admitting to giving big brown steroids? So even if he does win the triple crown he can never be conpared to the likes of "big red". He's juiced just like barry bonds. How good is he without the steroids?

Ooh, I hate situations where you have to choose between two good horses. I think it'll be amazing if Brownie finally won the Triple Crown, but to the people who think that'll save the sport, I laugh; if Big Brown is to save the sport, winning just the Triple Crown isn't the way to do it. He needs to stick around, and that's where the problem is.

I'm also big on families and there is no finer family than the one Casino Drive's a member of. I am mystified as to why Drive's connections chose Kent D. for the Peter Pan, but it's been said and done, and I find it hilarious how D. sang two different tunes on Drive, one after the Pan and one after the Preakness.

Whatever the case, I admit to being a bit selfish when I say I have at least fifty years to see a Triple Crown happen, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance that a mare produces three straight classic winners.

Good luck to them all.

I told you so!!!! Big Brown will cruise to the Triple Crown. As for our "contest" Jay, you didn't fare so well did you? I have been right all along, give me my due.

Karen-- appreciate your reply to 90Proof-- I would only add that final fraction cut into a strong headwind AND, of course, Kent had him wrapped up as well. Since the Belmont likely his last go, one wonders if he does shake lose, if Kent will be given the green light to let him run to the wire this time? With that turn of foot, one can only imagine if he was in Europe what he might have done on the turf? BTW-- did you see that 4 furlong drill Tale Of Ekati put up yesterday? He's ready.

Dennis of Cork?  Are all of you mad?  He was beaten by 10 in the Derby.  Is he going to be that much better?  No way.  BB is so good because he runs absolutly relaxed.  He expends very little energy during a race as he never fights the jock.  I will be very surprised if he wins by less than 15 because he is that much better than everybody else.  I do think that he needs to race against older horses at least once.  I think they will do that at least once as his stud fee will be hurt by not racing after the Belmont.  

As to his worth as a stud I think he is going to be much like Secretariat in that I do not think he will be a great sire of race horses, but will be a great broodmare sire.  The similarities he shows with Big Red in his breeding are spooky.  Both are from speed favoring sires with outstanding female sides.  The big heart and lungs that BB has are from the Nuryev line and Secrertariat got those things as well from his dam side.  Nothing is exact in breeding but that is how i see it shaping up.

1. I take nothing away from BB- he has run some nice races and it isn't his fault that this is one of the worst 3 year old divisions in years- we had an incredible time last year, so this is the flip side to the coin.

2. The Florida Derby and Preakness field were two of the worst assembled in the history of each race- only 3 of the 12 Preakness starters had ever won a graded stakes. The horse who came in 2nd- Macho Again- was badly beaten both graded attempts before the Preakness as well. Racecar wasn't even on the board his last 3 races before the Preakness- K Bear had been beaten 15 lengths his last two- Stevil hadn't won since Oct and had lost since then by a combined 25 lengths, Giant Moon- off the board last two, R Tuckers only win was a Maiden- it was the worst field ever assembled at Pimlico. I wasn't surprised at how I Crane finished- look how bad the field was.

2. Rags To Riches- She won THREE grade 1 races leading up to the Belmont- for those of you that keep comparing Eight Belles to her- it's laughable. She had won 5 of 6 leading up to the Belmont- the last 3 all Grade- 1. Eight Belles lost 4 of her first 6 races- NONE EVEN A MINOR STAKES- then received her claim to fame beating Pure Clan- a filly that hasn't won since last November.

3. To those that say BB needs the TC for racing- LMAO- If BB needs to win the TC to save racing- it would only show the sad state that racing is in. Long gone are the days where we would see incredible two year olds mature and race for years- horses like Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, or see great battles like the Alysheba-Ferdinand saga- far more than the past- all racing is about today is money.

4. I will grant the fact that Denis of Cork has a chance to hit the board at Belmont- but only because this crop is so bad. He was off the board and easily beaten at Hawthorne- to those that say Cork was gaining on something at the end of the Derby.

Amazing how people talk about greatness so easily- Slew running the fastest mile ever by a 2 year old in the Champagne was greatness-Secretariat blazing the track and setting a world record in the Belmont was greatness, EVEN Sham- running under 2 minutes in the Preakness with two broken teeth and a mouth full of blood- I would take the Preakness Sham ran over any Big Brown race.

5. It isn't BB's fault his rivals are pathetic- but I don't see a superhorse.

Bill,

As to your steroids issue, I agree it is a big problem, however, until there is standardized testing and regulations it is a moot point.

First of all, I would NEVER question the greatness of Secretariat, or any of the other wonderful horses that have come before, but here is a very basic question for everyone. How do you know what substances any of those great horses of the past may have been given while they were running?  

There were far more substances available than many people realize. I am not pointing fingers at any individual or any specific horse, but we need to be honest with our selves, at least a portion of our old beloved champions were carrying a number of substances on board that would never pass the "pee cup" today... That is just a fact of history. Try to remember, there was a time when the Coca Cola that was sold over the counter as a soft drink contained cocaine derivatives.

Just because Dutrow admitted his acts doesn't mean that the other horses you hope will beat him are clean. Standardizing the testing is the first step. Until then, everyone has a free pass.  

Brian, I totally agree with your comment about BB making a top broodmare sire, that builds history doesn't it? Watch for that X-factor.

robert, your right just like in baseball there is no test for it. I know that horses back in the day also were giving drugs,but dutrow coming out and saying it was a bad move because all it has done is take away from the horse his training skills and the sport in general.

In regards to the steroid usage- many authors have touched on the topic in racing, though never have any even ventured speculation that Seattle Slew, Spectacular Bid, Secretariat, Round Table- just to name a few- were ever on anything. The most famous case of using drugs on a famous horse is the first Triple Crown winner- Sir Barton. His own jockey Johny Loftus said himself he could run a lick without it. Although illegal even then- horses weren't tested obviously. At one point, America's leading jockey-Loftus called out the leading trainer in the nation- Bedwell, and (LOL) the leading owner Ross refused to believe it- since that would mean he would have to fess up to the fact that his horses were all frauds. Sir Barton ran off the board five times out of 6 races- was sold on the cheap, broke his maiden by winning the Kentucky Derby

THIS WAS SAID BY A BB FANATIC; "Big Brown is one of the best horses to step foot on any race track anywhere.

He is an absolute super star that will win the Belmont and the Triple Crown unless he gets sick, breaks down, or gets one of the most horrible rides of all time.

When you look at what Big Brown has done and how he has done it...there is only one word you can use to describe this colt....BRILLIANT!">>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This is actually funny- seriously! If BB goes on to win the Belmont- he still wouldn't even make the top 40 horses of all-time. As a matter of fact- I WOULDNT RATE HIM ANY EDGE OVER CURLIN, SS OR HARD SPUN IF YOU RAN HIM IN LAST YEARS TRIPLE CROWN!

1. Curlin did lose an incredible Belmont against a filly that had WON 3 grade 1 races in a row! Eight Belles lost 4 of her first 6 races- non a stakes, then beat nothing special to make it to the KD. The Florida Derby.....Smooth Air? The Preakness- that field was a disgrace.

2. I don't blame BB for the horrible quality of what he has beaten, but don't tell me he is a SUPERHORSE- that is absurd.

3. IF BEATING that Florida Derby field- and that Preakness field is a test of greatness- EVEN ZANJERO would pass that test, or Hard Spun, or Curlin, or SS- so spare me the SUPERHORSE stuff.

Sir Barton- I missed a word in that previous posting- it should have said; 'HIS JOCKEY LOFTUS SAID HE COULDN'T RUN A LICK UNLESS HE WAS JUICED UP'.

Just because there was no regulation of drugs "back in the day," doesn't mean the horses were all frauds. In fact, they had to be pretty darn tough to survive the damage some of that junk did to their systems, and since there was really no way to regulate the use of drugs, the playing field had it's own (perverted) version of "level" since everyone had the same free choice to use or not use drugs.

I'm not applauding this history. I'm just saying that we should not in any way diminish those horses or their accomplishments given the facts of their particular time in history, nor should we be blind to that history.

I don't know if history will determine that Big Brown is a better horse than Street Sense, Hard Spun, or Curlin, or that he is a momentary flash in the pan. I do think his shortened career will hurt his legacy, just like it has for Street Sense and Hard Spun. However, I do know that if you run his Derby tape side by side with the '07 tape you will notice that the big ol' brown bag o' bones comes home in the clear ahead of all three of those fine horses. You cannot take away the fact that he ran a faster Derby than did any of those three horses.

I say only history will prove the greatness of any one horse not the public sentiment based on the outcome of one or two races.

Just read Dutrow's comments on steroids.Come on guys he's playing dumb.Any trainer that gets to the level he's at knows exactly what  is given to horses under his care.I agree with Liz's comments who knows what good horses got for a pre-race 20-30-40 years ago.I'm not against steroids per say,they can help a racehorse alot as Dutrow says.They can rebuild muscle,help them eat better,and in a gelding make them more agressive. When you are at that level of racing you can use all the legal pre-race meds there are and nobody will blink an eye.I do not believe in giving steroids to sales yearlings or two year olds in training but they do. It's naive to think that these big stables don't go there.

Robert in Houston: Clearly BB could have run with the likes of SS, Hard Spun and Curlin last year. One does not have to look to hard to see why. It isn't rocket science.Everyone keeps saying BB would have gotten ran into the ground last year. How do you figure? I respect all of your opinions and not wanting to label BB a superhorse or great. But stop beating up on him. He is all class. He does what is asked of him when it is asked of him and he does it easily with a tremendous turn of foot. To some, that makes him brilliant. To others that makes him great. The mile and a half will definately be a challenge. I feel he can do it and feel that it is in his breeding. Damascus was brilliant and he had a tremendous turn of foot. He is remembered for his crushing closing runs. Is that where BB gets it??? Only the racing God's know for sure. Even if he wins the TC, there will still be non believers and naysayers. Why? Because people have chosen not to like him. People think a horse has to race his elders to earn a place in history. Never lose sight of what the triple crown is and what it is made of. There is a reason it hasn't been done in 30 years. All the greats of last year couldn't do it. Will BB win? Nobody knows. But I for one will be cheering for the Big Brown race horse come Belmont day.  

Hey folks, steroid therapy is only banned in Iowa and very soon in Indiana.  So good or bad, right or wrong, Dutrow did nothing wrong in that area.

Also before you put down Denis of Cork, look at the replay again.  Borel took the horse from last to third in less than a quarter mile. I do not think he will beat BB, but I think he can make the race interesting.  To say that BB will win by 15 lengths is just dreaming.

Hey Liz,

Congrats!  Always good to hear when someone comes out on top.

The topic of drugs is an interesting one.  I have a friend who works in a test barn and has pointed out on a number of occasions that they can not test for all the drugs horses are given.  That's impossible. That's why some trainers use human drugs for example.  A vast amount will not test.

Dutrow claimed winstrol helped his horse's coats. LMAO. Corn oil helps a horses coat and is perfectly legal.  Steroids serve a purpose: performance enhancers. I can't imagine a time when racing cleans up it's act.

I did read a funny comment someone made: "Where the hell is John Servis when you need him?"

Let's look forward to the Belmont and hope BB is truly a freak. I did read Dutrow's comment that he would go on the Traver's.  I know I'll be there!

Liz said; "Just because there was no regulation of drugs "back in the day," doesn't mean the horses were all frauds. In fact, they had to be pretty darn tough to survive the damage some of that junk did to their systems, and since there was really no way to regulate the use of drugs, the playing field had it's own (perverted) version of "level" since everyone had the same free choice to use or not use drugs. " >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Liz, his original owners- who were honest men- never drugged Sir Barton and he was badly beaten in 5 of his first 6 races, he was sold on the cheap and then it was decided by Ross & Bedwell to use him as a rabbit for Billy Kelly- he didnt fade- the drugs made him a different horse- the words of his jockey prove my point.

In regards to times- are you serious? Unbridled's Song ran the Florida Derby faster than BB, Curlin and Bernardini ran the Preakness faster than BB, War Emblem, Funny Cide, Grindstone etc all ran the Derby faster than BB- as a racing fan- you should know never to use times to compare horses unless it is a record.

You can say BB set this track record, or this stakes record to make a point- as he has never done that- I don't see how you can bring up the time of his races as an issue-you should know better.  

To Karen- you see all this hype about BB- I have been through this MANY TIMES- so many examples- Copelan comes to mind in regards to a horse that reminds me of BB. Copelan had all the hype as well.

I like Casino Drive. I read he faced competition like BB in Japan..and won. Hopefully, for him, Belmont is a cakewalk.

Robert in Houston: Not sure if your still around or posting but please give me a break. Of course you use times to know how well a horse ran. How do you think trainers know how their horse is training. Not only do you use times, you also take into consideration all the factors of a race. Track condition, head winds, post position, how many horses are in the race, opening quarters, closing quarters.  You need to go back to racing 101 if you don't think you use times to compare horses. Not just record breaking times either.  BB broke from the 20th position and ran 4-5 wide. He ran in a strong head wind in the preakness. C'mon Robert, think about it.

I met BB back in jan.at pm fl.he was healing from quarter crack,I was there for every race he has won and all I can say is he is a magnificent animal.The problem is there is no colt even close to him on the track that can show how super he really is,he just blows them away.Michael I and company would like nothing better then to hook up with curlin it would be great for the sport which we all love and whats the worst that could happen one of those fine animals would be runner up to a champion.I think that at this stage of the game BB is a better 3 yr old then curlin was, he's proven that much agree?I don't think curlin's connections wants to run at SA but if they do we'll be there as long as BB is healthy.I can't make any of you BB knockers love BB but,come watch him run and you'll realize your seeing something special.I leave for NY fri.can't wait to watch him romp again.

Big Brown Fans, what happened today, 6/7/08?  BB ran out of gas after a mile.  A sure win?  Didn't happen.  As proven before, the Belmont is the true test and he didn't have anything left in the tank.  The steriods were out of his system after not having any injected for 2 months.  BB wasn't even a factor in the race.  How do you explain that?  He wasn't lame, injury I could understand but glad it didn't happen.  He looked fine after the race.  He isn't the greatest  horse in 30 years.  He's a good 3 year old who has peaked.

He will probably never race again and he sure  wouldn't have beat Curlin.