Hats off to John Servis. He's had a lot of flak since the Smarty days but he showed his class in the way that he handled Mr. Dutrows comments. Even if you believe he made a mistake in handling his horse who are you Mr. Dutrow to criticize.  Again hear hear for John Servis.

Nice job.  Remember when Baffert first came onto the scene, he was brash and cocky; but he always made his thoughts about his horse. Why does Dutrow care about what happened 4 years ago?  It has no bearing on how HE trains Big Brown. Quite frankly, I think he's a bit nervous. If he has a brain, he'll just keep it focused on his horse.

"Ricky has a tendency to talk before he thinks."

Classic. Well said John. Saying what America is thinking.

Servis is a class act. He always will be and so was Smarty.  I don't think he did anything wrong with Smarty and I give him credit for not letting Dutrow get under his skin. We all know someone like Dutrow and if you can get past the perceived cockiness and understand the pressure he is under you can look past the comments. I loved Smarty Jones and will always believe he was far superior than Birdstone. Birdstone was fresh and Smarty had a target on his back. It will happen again with BB. He is sure to be a running target.

Jason you said what I was thinking. For most of the Belmont Smarty's reins were flapping and he went after Eddington early on in the race which cost him dearly. I too blame Elliot for that Triple Crown flop. I think Desormeax is at a huge advantage since he's dealt with the pressure of a Triple Crown attempt before. He's a much smarter rider now than he was ten years ago.

Who is Dutrow? Just the man who is training perhaps the greatest horse in 3 decades. Who cares what he said, or how Servis responded, or how "classy" A JOURNALIST thinks the connections are?  Not me. To me, it is all about the horse and the performance. If ya'll are looking for a popularity contest I suggest tuning in to "American Idol".

Is it inconceivably that Birdstone was more equipped genetically to win at 1 1/2 miles than Smarty? Let's give some credit instead of accessing blame.

Jason - sounds like you lost money on the race. I cashed my ticket on Birdstone without blaming anyone.

John Servis has always seemed to be a class act and this just confirms it. Dutrow is obviously high on his horse and he should be, but he does sometimes let his mouth run on when it seems like he shouldn't. Oh well. The excitement of having a horse like Big Brown and a chance to win the Triple Crown plus the never-ending presence of the press could probably make anyone say things they wish they hadn't. I hope John Servis comes back to the Derby with another good horse again soon.

Jockeys will make tactical errors in the Belmont because they don't have the experience to ride 1 1/2 mile races anymore!  But isn't that part of the issue we've been getting at the past few weeks. And as for Sarah's comments about the greatest horse over the past thirty years?  I seem to recall a nice win streak by a horse named Cigar. Not afraid to travel from the west coast to the east, south and of course the middle east.  He was owned by a true gentleman of the sport, Mr. Paulson.  A far cry from this group. They make it harder and harder for me to root for this horse - and I'm going to be there attempting to see my first Triple!  And I would say that Curlin has proven to be a nice horse as well.  Sunday Silence, I think the list could go on with horses that may not have wrapped up a perfect record in a couple races, but showed true grit and determination in facing competition.  

Dutrow reminds me a little bit of Bud Delp, Spectacular Bid's outspoken trainer.  History has a way of toning down such talk, but I'm still rooting for Brown. He has enough class to cover all his connections!!

Big Brown saves the day for the big-mouthed, steroid-feeding trainer. Elliot made a little mistake, more because of lack of long races than incapacity. Birdstone, I still think won his Belmont on his own right; he had to accelerate enormously in the curve and coming out of it to catch up. And then again, Desormeaux also has VERY BIG blunders in his racing history...but he is back and seems to have learned. So don't throw mud around even if its free. You know, winds change around very fast and unexpectedly.

For me, with this generation of 3-years, Big Brown has to win at least a big race against older horses to start being considered "Great".

Jason, I agree with you. Elliot did move his horse too soon. Way too soon. It was also clear that Smarty never relaxed. Elliot claims Smarty wouldn't listen and was hard to handle. He was a very game horse and incredibly talented. He just plain ran out of gas, which is usually what happens in the Belmont. The fractions were soft so there is no excuse there. I can remember screaming at the t.v when Elliot made his move. I was not a happy camper. I hope Desormeaux rates B Brown. He is far more experienced and should be able to judge the distance. I think we will see a sharper pace this time around. I think that will be the stragedy of the other riders.

Dutrow's just a little common. He has a big mouth, he doesn't think at all about what comes out.  Now he's saying the Belmont is a lock. What a dumb**s.  Is it Dutrow as a trainer or would BB have been (even better) in someone else's barn? Dutrow has placed this horse right and kept him healthy.  As I recall this horse already stamped himself as something at Saratoga before Dutrow ever got his hands on him, showed the same turn foot.

John Servis is a very nice man, very professional. Smarty was the best horse Belmont day, he just didn't win. Stewart moved him too soon, got caught up in the moment i guess. I do know that they ran the FASTEST middle mile in Belmont stakes history! if he'd won with those fractions, he might be regarded as the best horse ever.

Karen: Huh? The fractions were soft? Smarty did a mile in 1:35.44 and ten furlongs in 2:00 and change. I don't think I'd call those soft fractions. I'm still pulling for Big Brown, but I wouldn't mind Dutrow have to eat crow. He couldn't and wouldn't have done a better job with Smarty, except to race him about five times fewer in his life...

Thanks, John.  You make a Philly gal like me proud!

2004 Belmont...Smarty on the rail...I watched that race many times...it was always the same...I sat there yelling at the TV..."Get off the rail!"...everyone knows how deep the slop is there...Smarty knew!!!!!

Jason,

You make a lot of sense to me and the remark about the Dutrow school of tact was priceless. Why people have to be snippy and arrogant in their posts is beyond me.

I loved Smarty Jones and a lot of the reason I did was due to his connections.  I fell in love with him when I saw him win the Rebel and then the Arkansas Derby.  I knew without a doubt he would win the KY Derby and he did.  When he did win and the camera was on Mr. Chapman, Mr. Chapman was so excited with the win that he was breathless and because he was suffering from acute Emphysema which is how I lost my father.  I saw him do the same things my Dad did and it brought tears to my eyes and I was so happy for him and for that wonderful man, John Servis. Mr. Chapman said that they knew at some point Smarty would loose but they would try to keep it from happening as long as they could.  

Class all the way around in that group.  I was broken hearted when Smarty got beat but it didn't diminish him in any way for me.  I will be making another trip to KY

and I will visit him just as I visited Secretariat, Spectacular Bid,Affirmed, Alydar, Seattle Slew and many other greats.

I have mixed feelings about BB. He's a wonderful horse and I am convinced he is special but the Belmont is a big test,  it's never a forgone conclusion as his trainer says but what he says and what he feels are two different things.  He may be scared at this point but will not admit it.  My hope is that they all come back sound without any injuries at all.

Karen: I read that the Casino drive connections are going to enter a rabbit in the race to make the pace stronger for Casino Drive to run at.  Should be interesting.

Why can we not all just enjoy the thrill of having such an impressive horse like Big Brown giving us all hope for a Triple Crown winner?  I love the fact that Dutrow is so excited and so positive about his horse...give the guy a break..Barclay Tagg is nailed by the media for NOT talking and Dutrow gets it for saying too much...

This is classic John. He always shows the greatest class and dignity and he's probably right about Dutrow. I lived Smarty's Triple Crown and he did a fantastic job with that horse.

As for the Belmont, Stew didn't move Smarty too soon, he was being presured from the outside by Eddington and RHT, he had no choice but to go.

Karen, what are you saying?  Soft fractions?  Are you kidding me?  Smarty ran the first 10 furlongs of the Belmont in 2 minutes-- fast enough to win every Kentucky Derby in history except four -- faster than his own Derby by four seconds -- it was way too fast, way too soon.  Elliot didn't move him too soon.  Smarty couldn't settle with Rock Hard Ten and Eddington pressing him like they did.  I remember Bill Finley writing soon after that Belmont that his heart sank when he was the split for the first 10 furlongs.  He knew then that it was too fast too soon and that set it up for a longshot closer to take the prize.  Soft fractions?  Get real!

Sarah, are you serious that you think Big Brown is perhaps the best horse in the last 3 decades?  By that token, you think he was better than Spectacular Bid, Sunday Silence, Easy Goer, Tiznow, Point Given, Fusaichi Pegasus, Curlin, Cigar, etc.  No way!  Big Brown has a ton of talent, no one can debate that, and should definitely win the Belmont by open lengths.  However, if Big Brown were to have ran in any of the years that the previously mentioned horses ran, he would have been beat by them.  If Big Brown was just 1 year older, no way he wins a Triple Crown with the likes of Curlin, Street Sense, etc. to compete against.  Anyone who thinks so has obviously drank the Dutrow Kool-Aid!  Also, winning a Triple Crown doesn't necessarily make a horse great.  I would say that the horsely previously mentioned were either great or dang close to it and they didn't win a Triple Crown.  I don't know if Big Brown would have beaten Alydar and he didn't win any Triple Crown races thanks to Affirmed.  As for Smarty Jones, I agree with Jason in that if anyone is to blame in the Belmont it was Elliot.  However, all jockeys make mistakes.  They are human and none are above that fact.  Anyone remember the great Bill Shoemaker, quite possibly the best jockey of all time, misjudging the wire in the Kentucky Derby & costing his horse the roses?!

JASON:

YOUR POINT IS CORRECT REGARDING SMARTY. I THINK IT'S FUNNY THAT A MERE 10 YRS. AGO BB'S TRAINER WAS RESIDING IN A STALL LIKE A BUM,ONE WOULD THINK HE WOULD NOW POSSESS A SMALL GRAIN OF HUMILITY! HE REMINDS ME OF A VILLIAGE IDIOT. I CAN TELL YOU I DESPISE THE TRAINER AND THE CONNECTIONS,BUT I'M ROOTING FOR BB ANYWAY. WE NEED MORE INDIVIDUALS IN THE SPORT LIKE THE JACKSON'S AND TRAINERS LIKE JACK VAN BERG WHO COULD PUT ON A CLINIC OF WHAT CLASS IS ABOUT!

OKAY EVERYBODYS TALKING ABOUT MOVING TO SOON IN THE BELMONT , TRADITIONALLY ITS A RACE THATS WON ON OR CLOSE TO THE PACE, SO IF SECRETARIAT DIDNT MOVE TO SOON, AFFIRMED& ALYDAR DIDNT MOVE TO SOON, SWALE OR CONQUISTODOR CIELO DIDNT MOVE TOO SOON , THEN WHY DID SMARTY JONES MOVE TO SOON, I FEEL HE OUTRAN HIS PEDIGREE IN THE DERBY/ PREAKNESS AS FAR AS DISTANCE LIMITATIONS (just as I feel about BIG BROWN) &BIRDSTONE HAD A GREAT PEDIGREE TO GET THE 1 1/2 BELMONT, ONE MORE THING TO CONSIDER

Smarty Jones was team-tagged by 3  riders who decided it was better to sacrifice their horses chances than to "let" Smarty win, as Jerry Bailey basically admitted to the New York Post the following day. Like Mr. Chapman, I thought that was despicable, and I hope they don't treat Big Brown the same way. But with racing under the microscope and in need of a Triple Crown, they are less likely to ride defensively.

All goes to show that Dutrow is a classless idiot. The thrill of watching BB's brilliant performances has been tarnished for me by having to listen to and see that arrogant boob. No decent sportsman would ever criticize a fellow trainer in their training methods. What? He thinks he is the epitome of training prowess? Servis did a masterful job of training Smarty Jones through the Triple Crown. What got the horse beat was a combination of things--a probable lack of stamina, the grueling schedule, and rider tactics. I don't remember anyone, from the owners on down, ever criticizing Servis for the training job he did. For this blow-hard to do so now is just reprehensible. Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas, two trainers I have never had warm and fuzzy feelings for, never did such a thing. They could be arrogant and cocky, but they drew the line at criticizing the work of rival trainers. Dutrow has no class, and his arrogance is nauseating. Where are the owners to shut this guy up? Blathering on that BB winning the Belmont is a foregone conclusion is arrogance of the highest order. He needs a reality check in a big way--maybe in the flying form of Casino Drive "driving" past his foregone conclusion at the finish of the Belmont.

Consider the source when talking about Big Brown's trainer,Dutrow.Money cannot buy class! Remember where he came from and now look where he is! Who says LUCK is not a part of racing?He has to be one of the luckiest people I don't know!!

I can't believe Dutrow would go as low as to insult other trainers, let alone the horses. I read about how he believed the "Japanese horse" wouldn't even finish second and that since Curlin was beat by a filly, he wasn't a spectacular horse. I don't know what SA and Curlin's connections said, but Casino Drive's owner jokingly said that Dutrow knew more about his horse than he did, and that he was glad to have a horse like Big Brown in the Belmont.

Who's got class now?

Once again the Big Brown and Rick Dutrow detractors are in for a big disappointment in the Belmont Stakes.  If the BIG ONE reports to the starting gate we can all assume that his troublesome quarter crack is a non-factor and the 30 years long Triple Crown drought will be over.  I am anticipating a smashing performance from Big Brown that will have race fans drooling at the prospect of a match-up with the mighty Curlin in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (preferably) or the Breeders Cup.  Casino Drive with the king of tiple Crown spoilers Edgar Prado in the saddle should add to the spectacle of the Big Brown show.  He seems to be a very promising colt but I suspect that in an effort to challenge the BIG ONE he might run out of steam and lose second place to Dennis of Cork or Tale of Ekati.  The reflections on Smarty Jones' defeat in the 2004 Belmont were interesting.  Hindsight is 20/20 vision and it is easy to fault Stewart Elliot if you dont believe his report that Smarty was travelling very easily when he picked up the pace and assumed the lead in that race.  The more likely explanation is that the horse's stamina limitations were ignored because he was so talented.  There is a microscopic possibility that this could again occur but Big Brown's secretariat-like qualities makes it too much of a stretch of the immagination to contemplate.        

Some of you can't be serious... you say dumb things like if Big Brown was a year older he wouldn't win anything.  Dumb just plain dumb and most of you still don't see the greatness in Big Brown ??? What does he have to do ?  All he does is win every race by 5 lengths or more and he wins every time.  The Belmont will make it 6 in a row... somebody tell me how many times Secretariat won 6 in a row?  Do you really think another horse in the next 50 years is going to win from the 20 post in Kentucky going 4 wide? Secretariat lost twice before Belmont and lost right after Belmont and you think he is better than Big Brown...Lol... I like horse that win you can have the horse that wins by 30 then loses to a horse called ONION. If you just can't handle the Big Brown-Secretariat comparison tell me why Secretariat was better than Native Dancer ...you know the horse that did everything Secretariat did and even ran undefeated at 4....

Well, I can't agree with Dutrow's human interaction skills, but he has brought Big Brown to the brink of the Triple Crown, so he does shine in his horse interactions. Does anyone think if Baffert or heaven forbid, Lukas, had been Big Brown's trainer , that any of us would be talking about his chances of winning the triple crown?

Jazz: just to clarify, yes, Smarty's opening fractions in the Belmont were soft. 24 first quarter 48 second quarter. Then Elliot made his move and chose to run with Rock hard ten. Clearly those jockeys were out to compromise their horses in an effort to run Smarty down and it worked. Smarty was forced into a blistering mile and the race was set up perfectly for Birdstone. My point was if Smarty could have relaxed and went with the slow opening pace, he would have won the race hands down. He would have had plenty of gas left in his tank for the stretch run. For those considering running a rabbit with BB, their plan may backfire. BB will relax and listen to his experienced jockey. He will go when it is time to go and go he will. I don't see BB falling for that trap. My guess is Casino Drive will give him a challenge but it won't hold. I don't see BB getting beat. But I would never say never. I know better.

Not surprised by Rick's comments here...he is one of the more cocky and brash trainers in the business.  Fact is, Rick has a monster horse in his possession and a triple is not out of the question.  We sure need it, so I am rooting for him.  That being said, the fact that Rick has several drug suspensions and openly expressed his repeated use of steroids will tarnish this horse's run...what shame, right horse, wrong trainer.

Smarty Jones was a wonderful horse, always will be there with the good ones but not the great ones.  He is not in the same class of the previous Triple Crown winners but pretty damned close.  My impression of his Belmont was all heart on his part but he simply just came up short.  If it was meant to be it would have been, he had no excuses, he just could not get that last quarter mile, plain and simple.

Why is everyone thinkin' Big Brown can't go the distance? Yeah, Boundary is known more for sprinters, but go back one more step and you have Danzig.  I seem to recall a colt named Danzig Connection winnin' the Belmont.  In fact, it was the Danzig connection that made me go with BB (and recommend him to friends) in the Derby no matter how slim his racing experience.

So Big Brown is better than Secretariat? That's...big, real big.

The one thing I like about Dutrow's mouth is that we can argue and bicker over him. I stll think trainers shouldn't insult other trainers (and other horses).

Baffert and Lukas know absolutely nothing about having a horse on the brink of a Triple Crown.  

Big Brown has been lucky to catch one of the worst 3yo classes in many years.  

i bought one hundred & ten (110) two dollar winners on Smarty @ Belmont to put with the same on Derby/Preakness winners but i never looked @ the tickets till i got back home(greenhorn teller gave me wrong race)on the eastern shore of va. to find they were for the first race on the card...Seek Gold/Zitos Horse won race#1 & i had him in place of Smarty 48.80 to win!!!...on my way back to see hes BIG & hes BROWN finish the deal!!!Happy Belmont to all!!!& GOOD LUCK...Long Live The King!!!

i hope bb loses he runs with a bunch of claimers. look at all the claimers he runs with none of them have a winning record and they are talking about great horse maybe they dont know what the word means

While the focus remains on Brown and Casino, there's a Florida bred named Denis waiting in the wings!!  

Well, Baffert must have done something right. He did get to this point three times after all (although I admit he doesn't deserve all the credit for War Emblem.)

Props to Patrick Reynolds for "discovering" BB.

Hindsight doesn't do anything except help one prepare for the next race. Smarty had a little bad racing luck when all the little things didn't quite go perfect.  It happens in racing all the time. Servis is showing a lot of class. Must have picked it up after having to eat a little humble pie since the Smarty days.  I still remember him talking about 'his' horse liked he owned it vs the fact that the owners were gracious enough to let him train their horse. Ask Rick Porter.  I seem to recall that Servis barn fell apart, too.  The pressures to win must be overwhelming.  As far as trainers go, a trainer cannot make a good horse great (unless they are using a little juice - can you say 'Dutrow') but a trainer can definitely make a good horse bad. The sooner steroids get banned from the sport, the better.  Although the guys that use medicines to give them an edge (can you say Eclipse award winning trainers) will just find the next way to continue using medications to their advantage and not get caught.

Secretariat set 3 track records in five weeks at three distances against the best of his generation which have not been broken in 35 years.  If there are roughly 30,000 thoroughbreds born each year, that means that nearly 1,050,000 throughbreds have been born since Secretariat that have NOT duplicated or improved apon this feat.  Big Brown is a nice horse, but please spare the comparison to Big Red by a horse who ran the slowest Preakness in 15 years.  There will never be another Big Red-3 track records, three different distances-five weeks. What.

I don't care who says what....I want a Triple Crown!!!  Go Brownie!!

The horse has more class than his trainer! By the way, how many of Dutrow's runners have turned up with positive urine samples over the past ten years? Look it up!

In the NBA 3 times and your out  . . . forever! In horse racing I guess if you promise never to do it again, they give you a three months vacation. If a bank teller is guilty of embezzlement, does he get another chance? Today's race horse trainers get many more chances!

The Belmont comes down to this: can Big Brown win at a mile and a half. His breeding says no . . . but his performances say yes(and easily). I wonder if the good Denis of Cork will show up.

Someone wrote: "Baffert and Lukas know absolutely nothing about having a horse on the brink of a Triple Crown."

Baffert: Silver Charm, War Emblem, Real Quiet(lost by nose.)

Lukas: Charismatic.

Dutrow has a big mouth.  The way he has been shooting it off this Triple Crown, I cannot see a Triple Crown.  Big mouth's usually get closed.  Casino Drive will do most of the talking Saturday

Harrison: I agree with you. Danzig was a great sire. Interesting to note he is Hard Spun's sire. Unfortunately Hard Spun finished 4th in the Belmont last year. He just had nothing left. Hard Spun couldn't rate unless he was behind horses and that was hard for him. He wanted to jump on every opening he could find. I loved him last year and was disapointed with his finish. I was hoping for him to finally get his due. BB is different. He seems to understand the game. If Kent does his job, BB should run big. I can hardly wait.

Ya know, I worked on the track years ago as an assistant trainer/rider on the East Coast and Richy Dutrow was always a big mouth pita that would sell his soul for just about anything. We were stabled next to his father's barn.  I am happy for the sport that Big Brown has come along, but I sure do wish he had a different trainer. This guy is shady, always has been and anyone from the East Coast circuit knows it. I think Brown is one of those horses that would do well with anyone, he is that talented, but Dutrow's mouth and shady background cast a pall over the horse's ability.

Obviously class and humility are not Rick's strengths.His lack of both are not helping Big Brown being recognized as the awesome horse that he is.

Wista... are you for real.... BB has the pedigree to run a mile and a half easy.  Check pedigree query.  He also has stamina on the bottom.  But, what he doesn't have is feet.  From the pictures I saw, it looked like his hoof wall is mostly acrylic.  Thinking the colt will win the Belmont and retire to grow new feet before hits the breeding shed.  

John Servis saved Pennsylvania racing. His comportment throughtout Smarty's campaign let the Pennsylvania legislature understand the real human face of the racing industry. This led directly to the passage of slots legislation which has created the boom that we now see in our industry. Without John Servis that would not have happened. He is always a gentlemen and check out the Philadelphia Park trainer standings. He's winning a lot of races without Rick Porter.

Yes "Drew", indeed Secretariat is to be revered above all other thoroughbreds.  I would add not only because of his awesome Triple Crown performances but also because he performed well on both grass and dirt and he passed on his quality in the breeding shed mostly to his daughters as an exceptional broodmare sire of sires (check AP Indy, Storm Cat, Lost Soldier etc.)  We should be able to sing the praises of great horses and trainers without discrediting others.  Both Bob Bafert and D. Wayne Lukas are great horsemen in their own right who have done the sport a world of good.  Respect is due to them always.  Dutrow might have had a checkered past but give the guy his due.  He has a bright future in the sport and a chance to erase the bad memories of the past with his present string of quality racers.

Racing must be cringing right about now.  Been waiting for years to have a Triple Crown win save the sport and this owner/trainer combo comes along.  Worse image imaginable.  

Yes Drew Secretariat had a great 5 weeks and 3 great races... do you want to talk about his race before the TC races or after when he got beat by onion or do you want to just stick with those 3 and not talk about his 5 loses. Compared to Native Dancer you would still put him on top ? Remeber Native Dancer was 22-21-1-0 and the only loss came when fouled twice.

He also went on to run at 4 and was a far better sire than Secretariat.  

dutrow is a turd.and after reading about ivarone and his (big) wallstreet career i am convinced he is too.nothing against bb except he is the favorite and thats the first horse i throw out.i want money not bragging rights.

Yo Jason...what's up cuz? Your homeboy back in Philly here. I agree with you Stewart Elliot was to blame not the trainer in the 2004 Belmont. He never let Smarty Jones settle down and relax and sent him 10 seconds to early. All I know is that was a day to remember at Philly Park because I never seen the joint so packed full of people. And we all were jumping up and down cheering him and when Smarty lost I never seen more adults(woman and men) actually sincerely openly crying. That's why the Triple Crown or ANY horse race is NEVER a lock!!!! Will Big Brown win? I would love to see Dutrow eat his words but the horse is a warrior so for his sake I hope Big Brown wins. Will it be good for racing sure but not like the days when there was no Simulcasting and Track Casino's. Philly Park and all the others are doing and will continue to do fantastic either way.

be nice to his people...go BIG BROWN...hope they all come home safe...

draynay, this IS about the Triple Crown, not before the TC or after the TC.

What I would LOVE to see is what would happen if Big Brown loses the Belmont and Dutrow has to eat his words. Winning is one thing but losing is another ballpark. I think true class is how you react to losing. How would he go about it?

Big Brown is not going to lose...just way too talented.. He cannnot be beaten ...bring on Curlin ... once he beats Curlin then what?

Done deal Jason.Already submitted a question.Missed you guys, was in Vegas for a week.Just caught up on all the comments.Man I hope BB wins so Dutrow doesn't look worse than he does already.No class when you make comments about another trainer.Shoer says everything looks super on BB's feet.Okay I'll go along with that comment until...

Interesting that you bring up Big Red's 5 losses, Big Brown won't even have a chance to lose five races since he will be retired after next week.  Moreover in 140 years no horse has run faster than Big Red @ 1 1/2 mile on dirt; period.  As far as comparing him to Native Dancer; on both horses best day Big Red still holds three track records at three different distances.  Native Dancer may have an overall edge in winning percentage but he did not even win the Kentucky Derby the most prestigous race in the world.  He lost to a 25-1 shot, while the often mentioned Onion was 5-1, touche.

I'm  sorry, but this race is not about Dutrow. It's about a good horse, his race and hopefully something for the racing history books! The man can say whatever he wants, but I'm all for the race and the horses who run. And about Smarty and Stewart,there will always be people out there that have to blame someone for a horses loss. But here I will disagree. It's very easy to point fingers and it seems very, very easy to forget....That - It was printed in Bloodhorse and many other media sources that Elliott had an extremely hard time holding Smarty back. It was quoted by many people inside the business, that basically that horse wanted to run and couldn't be slowed down. Now I, being the eternal optimist, am believing what I read and saw reported, by qualified Horse "people." So it's on to the Big Brown saga now. Can't anyone just enjoy this time and be thankful we have the sport, for now? Nashoba's Key was put down the other day for a freak paddock accident, Lost in the Fog-cancer, Eight Belles, George Washington: Don't you think all of this emotion could be put to better use??  

beat curlin????  He would have his hands full with Rags....

Ranagulzion states:  "Dutrow might have had a checkered past but give the guy his due. He has a bright future in the sport and a chance to erase the bad memories of the past with his present string of quality racers."  Don't know if you've seen Dutrow's record, but he's been violating drug rules up to and including this past year.  And based on his quotes the past 4 weeks, he has no intention of changing.  Until racing makes penalties effective, he will continue to put both horse and jockey in harms way.

Ranagulzion: Beautifully said. Just out of curiosity, what does ranagulzion mean?

Man, isn't BB a sight to see? He is one beautiful specimen.

I am the only one who finds Dutrow refreshing?

Drew ... come on you don't believe that drivel do you?Secretariat had a great 5 week stretch we all know that but does 5 weeks make a career?

Native Dancer only lost by a head when fouled twice in the Derby...other than that he won every race...he showed up EVERY time. He also raced undefeated at 4 and was much better in the breeding shed... so who was the better horse?  Your still stuck on time huh?  The track that day and conditions may have been perfect when you consider Sham ran well too.  Sham was nothing special and never raced past Belmont.  How come no one mentions the finishing times of Secretariat's tough 4 foes in the Belmont? If you think there is no difference in facing fields of 4 or fields of 11 your nuts. By the way you Secretariat fans he did not set a record at the Preakness...yeah yeah broke clock nope sorry. The official record is the official record and Secretariat is not the name next to the record.

Cant stand Dutrow and KD--jock. Old Kent boy has a bad habit of not riding out, and getting his horse in trouble. He certainly is no Calvin Borel or other less regarded rider, who is not afraid to take a hole.

Unless Kent is on much the best, he throws the towel in.

Big Brown is not even close to Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, and Barbaro. Those three generations had horses who such as Rock Hard Ten who could give Big Brown a run.

I hope to god, the jocks are smart enough not to let Big Brown shake loose. I hope they do to him like they did to Smarty Jones, and use their horse to wear him down.

It is not a win for the industry if connections like Dutrow and Kent "no ride out" D. win. If anything it will make folks hate our sport. Kind of like the NBA.

Hey, tbpartnerperson43, I'm for real and have been a fan, owner, etc for over 50 years.

Big Brown is by Boundary,a son of Danzig. Boundary on the track won the Phenomenon Stakes, the Roseben, was 2nd in the True North, and 3rd in the Tom Fool. Do any of those races sound like they are classic-distance stakes?. Big Brown's 1/2 brother Snake River Canyon is still eligible for non-winners of two! In addition to Big Brown, name another classic-distance winner sired by Boundary.

This crop of three year old colts is very weak. Big Brown won the Preakness in very average time. Due to the lack of any real competition, Big Brown really stands out. Almost half the field he faced in the Preakness were still eligible for "non-winners of two". Check it out.

The biggest competition in the Belmont appears to be Casino Drive. This colt has started twice in his career! Excluding Big Brown, there just isn't that much in the race. How many of this year's three year olds have consistently posted 100 plus Beyer figures?

Hey Deb--I agree with you. It is a double edged sword. We might have a triple Crown winner at long last, oly to have the champion associated with some of the most arrogant and classless people I have ever seen in the sport. Pity.

Big Brown Triple Crown winner.

Big Brown future Travers and Breeder's Cup winner

8 starts 8 wins 6 consecutive G1 wins

Don't count on it. Win or lose, he's done after the Belmont. If he loses, it will be his quarter crack was the culprit. If he wins, it will be announced his foot needs rest and he cannot possibly be gotten ready for a late summer and fall campaign, he has nothing left to prove, blah, blah, blah. I'd be happy if he was put away for a 4-y-o campaign, but that'll never happen--his owners took care of that. What? Give up a $100,000-$150,000 stud fee times 100 plus mares a season? Heaven forbid! The portfolio might take a dent.

tigger, I'm with you. I don't care what they all say. GO BB

Dutrow is supremely confident, as was Delp, who in the decade of Secretariat, Slew, Affirmed/Alydar, he proclained his 'Bid "The best horse to ever look thru a bridle"---he spoke those words BEFORE the Derby--and as far as I'm concerned Delp was right--along with Secretariat, the two best I've seen--I'm not sure Buddy Delp would've taken the opportunity to criticize a fellow Triple Crown losing trainer, I've criticized Shug/Phipps for running Easy Goer in the 1 1/2 JC Gold Cup before his (losing) BC Classic v Sunday Silence, but Servis cannot rebut the critique cuz The Belmont's history now, so it's unfair--that's the price you pay for reaching for the mountain top--for the record, I don't begrudge a horse for not getting the Belmont distance--I wish it were on the turf as it's a rediculous race--Smarty Jones was a very good horse, perhaps not as good as Big Brown, 'nuff said Mr Dutrow and "good luck to you and yours", I truly hope you fare better that Mr Servis did in The Belmont!!

Well said Draynay!!!  Native Dancer was undefeated at 2 and 4 with only one loss in his 22 race career!  He was awesome!!!  He didn't set many records because he was a come from behind runner that usually eased himself up as soon as he took the lead.  However, he did equal a world record at 2 and came close to several other records.

The only one that has class is BB. BUT BB won't win everyone seems to think quarter cracks are no be deal you'll see. I won't even be shocked if he does not run with 50 big ones spent for the breeding there will be no chances taken, BB's breeding is not the greatest that ever look through a bridle so they can't afford to cheapen him...

Deb: If you believe Dutrow is the only trainer giving his horses "legal" steroids, you are sadly mistaken. Because Dutrow is brutaly honest about it, he is being chastized for it. Yes, he has previous drug infractions and I personally feel they shouldn't be allowed, but he is not the only one doing it.

Wista: Yes,BB is out of Boundary who is a classic sprinter however you need to look a little deeper into BB pedigree. I think it is safe to say that we don't always inherit just our parents traits. Same goes for horses. I also respectfully disagree with you regarding BB's times in both the Preakness and the derby. I have researched just about every past performance in the past 4 years and broke the times down and basically what I found is BB could have competed with every one of them. According to the Blood Horse Ragozin and Thor-graph have pinpointed his derby as one of the fastest in history.

Joe: BB is a masterful colt. Will the mile and half be to far for him? Only time will tell. My thought is if Kent rides his race, BB will be there at the end. I think the pace will be quick but hopefully Kent doesn't get caught up in the trap. Remember, all the other horses have to run the mile and half too. Not just BB. BB won't be forced to go early as he will sit easily and comfortably off the pace and wait patiently for his turn. That is the brilliance of BB. I don't see the other horses running BB into the ground. Casino drive appears to have a sit and wait style as well so I don't see him getting to far ahead. The Belmont has burned many horses. Casino Drive may be bred for the distance but he won't handle it if he goes early with a blistering pace. I must also disagree regarding Kent. He didn't get BB into trouble in the Preakness when it "appeared" he was being boxed in. He saw his chance and moved BB to the outside. A triple Crown win would be fantastic for our industry, Dutrow and all. In fact, Dutrow adds another element. Either hate him or love him.

Lets get through the work on Tuesday before we pronounce the next Breeders Cup Classic winner.  The last two 3 yr olds to win were both late developers, Tiznow and Curlin.  The last Derby winner to win the Classic was Unbridled, so I doubt Big Brown will even be in the Clasic let alone win it.  October 25th is a long way from now and if he did make it he would have had 1 race in 5 months, that is not going to get it done 1st time vs. older.  I like Big Brown but his connections have nothing to gain by racing him after he loses in the Belmont.

Hey Point Given I am with you ,Dutrow is okay, can you imagine if big mouth Lukas trained this horse,Or Bob,  I am the greatest  thing since canned beer,Baffert was the trainer, please give the guy his do.It is  really funny listening to everyone who has touched this horse, the breeder is a genuis all of a sudden, everyone is an expert, BB is beautiful freak from this breeding,love this horse, something sure kicked in on that mares side though, Feel really sorry for Patrick Reynolds though, he is the one mainly responsible for the horse, You could tell he was sick to his stomach, when he said put 4 new shipping bandages on, patted him on the head and left before they came to pick him up. You are well named Point Given because you were one horse that should of won the triple crown. i think BB will win by about 6 or more lenghts again if Ken lets him run.

John Servis was the epitomy of class when I worked for him, and now almost 20 years later having worked incredibly hard to reach the top of his sport, he still is and always will be.  I am just glad to have seen him achieve the accolades, respect and glory he deserves.  Bring us another one John, I know you can.  You didn't win the "Big Sport of Turfdom" award for nothing....you and Smarty were the best thing to happen to horse racing since Secretariat!!!

We've been blessed with quite a few "new", good trainers over the last several years, led by John Servis and Tim Ritchey. Smarty Jones was a great story and Afleet Alex wrote his own great story in the Preakness. They won with class and they lost with class. As for Mr. Dutrow, he made it clear he's pretty much out of the box, so I just sit back and more or less enjoy what I hear. After seeing Barbaro, George Washinton, Pine Island, and Eight Belles go down I'm in no mood to see Dutrow die on the track if Big Brown loses. Not only that, I've come to like the horse a lot. He's written his own story too. The very first comment I ever heard made about Big Brown was that he listens. He showed that in the Preakness. Best wishes to any rabbit in the race. Still, I'm not going to cry if Better Than Honour gets her Triple, or if Denis of Cork or Tale of Ekati win. I only wish I could own just one of them.

Americans root for the underdog by nature and if the underdog loses then they like the humble classy people.Does racing need a Triple Crown winner who is affiliated with one of the most dubious trainers in racing? Do we really think that the public will be excited and drawn to racing or just start questioning what shenanigans may have been going on.I'm all for second chances but Dutrow needs to be told to shut up, gain some class and humility.Connections don't have to be humble (it helps), they just need half a brain and know that the general public doesn't like the braggarts who constantly talk about having drug problems and then categorically stating he gives his horses steroids and doesn't know why. The people I've spoken with don't know he has clarified that, they hear the initial remarks and that is the end of it. What will happen if this horse wins the race, it'll be talked about and forgotten in a month. If a class act like Carl Nafzger would have won the Triple Crown with Calvin aboard, that would have made a difference.

NO WAY big brown will beat Curlin in the Breeders cup...if his connections even have the cajones to run him.

Draynay and I are agreed on the enormous talent of Big Brown but I must part company with him concerning his attempts to lower the colours of the immortal Secretariat.  In racing this is sacrilegious since "Big Red" is arguably the finest thoroughbred to "ever look through a bridle" (no disrespect meant to Buddy Delp's champion colt Spectacular Bid -another favourite of mine- or to Man O'War, Native Dancer and Dr Fager).  Those bloggers who are trying to water down Big Brown's achievements so far by writing off this years crop of three year olds may regret their comments later in the year when Pyro, Colonel John, Recapturetheglory and company recover from the shock treatment they got from  the "BIG ONE".  FYI Karen, Ranagulzion is an old farm in the northern regions of Great Britain.    

Big brown will never get to the breeders cup, win or lose at belmont.

His connections are all about the money, why risk the stud fees by racing anymore than they can get away with.

Sad, just so sad.

So draynay 5 weeks don't make a "career" as you stated about Secratariat but 10-11 against a clearly inferior group of 3 yr olds for the Browneye do? When/If he wins on Saturday that would be the extent of his big time races. Sure he raced prior to that but there have been thousands of animals who won their debuts and second outings by considerable daylight. This horse does not even rate mention with the greatest unless he continues his carreer well beyond the Belmont and at least another year.  Even if he was to face Curlin and beat him that would be only two generations he had bested. What about next years class? They could easily produce a horse that could beat him. Being considered one of the best ever means showing more than the ability to be the best of one or two generations. That being said, Dutrow is a world class ass and it's a shame he had an animal of this class fall into his lap. I've enjoyed watching the Big Ole Browneye race DESPITE his trainer.

Some comments are really ridiculous as to what's being said about Big Brown.  BUT,  the most ridiculous statement I've read here is that Big Brown is the best horse in the past  "3 decades".  Let's see that takes us into the 1970's.  I do not think so, as a matter of fact I would argue with whoever said that and tell them they are %100 incorrect with that statement.  You really think Big Brown is better than Secretariat, or Ruffian or Affirmed or Seattle Slew or Spectacular Bid,  please.  Go back and read the history records, race records and achievements for the above mentioned race horses and while you're at it look up a horse by the name of CIGAR, who raced just 13 years ago, and you tell me you think Big Brown could duplicate anything Cigar did, then I'll have to suggest a psychiatrist to you.  

To Wista: Excellent observations, I agree, except I think BB AKA 'Splotchy's' biggest competiton in the Belmont, AKA 'Woodys race' will be Anak Nakal. I think the connections are asking too much too soon of Casino Drive. I read recently, (prior to 'Splotchy' being stabled at Frankel's Belmont barn)Dutrow says Bobby Frankel is the greatest living trainer. Really? How many Derbies has Frankel won? No doubt Frankel's an outstanding trainer but I wouldn't go that far. I guess Dutrow never met Neil Drydale, Allen Jerkins (see Beau Purple, Onion, Prove Out), Baffert, Lukas (even though I'm not a big fan), Shug McGaughey, AKA 'Shug-a-bug' (I know Shug hasn't won a Derby YET however he still owns Three Travers wins). Perhaps Dutrow should just worry about HIS horse, not other trainers, or other people's horses (Casino Drive) in the Belmont. I only hope 'Splotchy's' work goes smoothly Tuesday at 'Old Sandy.'  

Hank, Lukas may talk a lot but at least he's articulate and doesn't drop F bombs on worldwide television. Even at this time when he is in a down period, (I won't say twilight because just when you count him out he'll jump up and bite you and he's hooked up with the Maloof's, Mary Lou etc.)if you ask the average every day person who they recognize in horse racing, it's still Wayne and to a lesser degree Bob. And you know what, they don't dislike Wayne at all, just can't believe there is someone that articulate and educated in racing (I tell them there are a lot of them, they're not all the questionable shady characters that Dutrow represents) The perception of the general public for years was that racing was akin to the carnival with sleazy people on the backside. Wayne changed that perception to a great degree in the 90's and when he sells his horses on TV he is trying to sell the sport too. I'll admit I knew him from his days in NM,30+ years ago, not quite the bad guy everyone tries to make him out to be. Racing needs to attract new blood, the hard core handicappers and gamblers will always be around, I just don't think we'll attract the average Joe with people of dubious character, accusations of drugging, people winning big races after long suspensions. The casual fan sees that as once a cheater, always a cheater and once a druggie always a druggie (if only a recovering addict, they'll always be in recovery)

Enjoy those that are in our present and respect and honor  those that are in our past. Arguing about who the greatest horse to ever look through a bridle was is a losing battle. Everyone has a different favorite for many different reasons. They are all great. BB is great in his own right. GO BIG BROWN!

Well.. FormerFan you ran your mouth but didn't come up with many facts did you. If Big Brown was running against 4 other horses in the Belmont and they ran a 2:30 you would say big deal he ran against nobody... Big Brown is running against much larger fields and he is winning every race unlike Secretariat..yes great performances in the Triple Crown but do you want to talk about the "Wood Memorial" or the "Whitney Stakes" or the "Woodward Stakes" ??? Do you want to talk about anyone of those races where Secretariat was whipped ? Records are nice but win and loss is the most important and 3 loses as a 3 year old does not put Secretariat ahead of a Triple Crown winner who has never lost.  When Big Brown wins the Belmont he will do something Secretariat could NEVER do... win 6 times in a row ... that's right WIN show up EVERY time not just every few races. Secretariat the best ever ? lol...tell that to Onion...Onion looked him in the eye deep into stretch and then left him standing still.  Big Brown better then Secretariat...yes Big Brown wins EVERY race by 5 or more can Secretariat say the same ? I think you should talk to Onion about that one.....

Draynay. I have enjoyed your posts and love your confidence in BB. He deserves it and you see his accomplishments which is awesome. I do however think you are a little off when discussing Secretariat. With all due respect Draynay, Secretariats race record is far superior than Onions. All horses get beat at some point. If BB continued to race chances are at some point he would get beat by someone. Horses have their off days.Not to mention Secretariats grueling schedule in 1973. Just to throw out some facts that are beyond impressive and can't be ignored. 1973 Derby, Secretariat, new track record, Preakness, new track record, Belmont, new track world record. Arlington Invitational and Marlboro cup, new world record, Manowar stakes, new course record, Bayshore Gotham stakes, tied track record. Most of which still stand 35 years later. Champion 3 year old, Champion grass horse. He had 21 starts and I believe was only out of the money once. To say Secretariat was ever "whipped" is a far stretch ofn the imagination. What else is Onion known for except the one time he defeated Secretariat? Granted BB is undefeated in 5 starts but he doesn't have the racing record Big Red had. Don't get me wrong, I love BB and hope he blows them away in the Belmont but we aren't talking about another Secretariat here. I'm not sure we will ever see another Secretariat.  

Draynay. Another thing to note, from July 1972 to April of 1973 Secretariat won 10 races in a row. Yes, he was disqualified and technically placed second in one, but the fact of the matter is, he still crossed the wire first.

Big Brown isn't facing a Sham is he.  As a matter of fact, Sham ran his 2nd place derby faster than BIG Brown won his.  Did Big Brown race 9 times as a 2 year old.  Did Big Brown race against Riva Ridge or Forego.  You know what, you are the one who knows nothing.  Secretariat ran his derby and Preakness faster. Lets see what time he runs in the Belmont.  Hey,  since I know nothing,  do you think Big Brown will run the Belmont in 2:24 flat or faster.  THINK NOT.  Hey, since I know nothing, do you think Big Brown will run each quarter in the Belmont faster than the previous.  Hey, do you think Big Brown can run on grass and beat the best turf runners on the world.???? Hey,  do you think Big Brown could have run 9 times as a 2 year old.  Your post is so comical.  You know why Secretariat ran the Belmont in world record time of 2:24 flat is because he was in a hand gallop and never had to run, if he did that time would be much faster.  Just think Big Red set 2 triple race records. the derby and the belmont, and after 35 years it still hasn't been broken or equaled, not even by BIG BROWNIE.  Sorry,  but like I said there is no comparison,  not even close.  Do you think Big Brown would still be alive if he raced 9 times as a 2 year old.  He hold no track or world records.  ENOUGH SAID.  

Hey Karen,  Go have an Onion on me,, because Secretariat is still better and will always be.  Also, Secretariat is a legend, and don't you forget it.  Big Brown will never break the Belmont Stakes records even if they glued wings on him and attached a jet propelled engine.  

You keep taking about being looked in the eye.  I have to ask,  have you been reading too many books on Ruffian and Seabiscut, you sound very immature. Big Brown won't even make as many starts in his entire life as Secretariat made at 2 years.

I fear we'll never know how good BB is. No competition yet so we really don't know how fast he might be. No chance he'll run at 4(let alone 5 like Affirmed and the Bid.) I'll believe the Thorograph and Ragozin sheets.

Am I the only one worried about the quartercrack?

To say this is the greatest horse in 3 decades is just a tad premature. He has raced 5 times and not been challenged. He has not won the Belmont yet and I do think it will be a challenge for him. It takes nothing away from what he has accomplished but Spectacular Bid ran in the last 30 years and I don't think BB has made it to that level yet.

Draynay,

Are you aware that Secretariat won 16 races?  Not just the triple crown.  Are you aware he raced 21 times, not just 5?

Not to cast any aspersions on Onion, but I remember at the time Secretariat was not 100%--he was fighting a minor illness, which flared up after the race.

Nice article by Steve Haskin showing another side of Iavarone. You have to give the guy credit. I bet this has been a whirlwind of a ride for them.

Former Fan: Not sure what your point was in your post to me. I don't really get the "go have an Onion on me" comment.

No, Specbid, your not the only one worried about the quarter crack. I am very worried about it.  Win or lose on Saturday, I just hope they all return to the barn in one piece. I don't think my heart could take another tragedy.

Karen... getting DQ'd is not a win anyway you slice it... FormerFan I have one word for you..Duhhh... Big Brown was hurt at two but when he did run he whipped the field by 13 lengths on GRASS. He is going to win the Triple Crown, the Travers, and then the Breeders Cup and then there will be no more to beat.  What ? you want him to pad his record and beat the same 10 horses 10 more times then he will be great? Lol...winning every race is not that important huh... you would rather have a horse set a speed record than get his butt whipped by a horse called Onion ???  Sham? Sham?  Maybe you should look up his historic career 5 whole wins in 13 tries.... BIG DEAL ! Sham even beat Secretariat in the Wood but take some time to look at the mules who beat Sham.... LOL... Sham give me a break, you mean the same Sham who never raced past Belmont !!! You Secretariat people crack me up he gets whipped 3 times as a 3 year old and all you want to talk about is a 5 week stretch he had.  It was great yes...but just 5 weeks.

Big Brown wins EVERY time EVERY race and does it with ease... no horse has won every race he has ever run on his way to the Triple Crown like Big Brown ...NONE ! Keep holding on to your precious Secretariat and I will keep watching Onion look him in the eye on YouTube deep into stetch and watch him leave Big Red in the dust...I guess the mighty Onion was just too much.

I think Hard spun was a much better horse than he was given credit for.

He was really doing great at the end of 2007 having beaten Street Sense and coming in second in the Classic.  Had Curlin not been there, he would have won the classic.

I think Big Brown is a fabulous horse. He's proved it 5 different times but he has a trainer who is an embarrassment to him.  One thing I will say for Dutrow and I believe I read this somewhere in Blood Horse, he did say that BB would be a winner no matter who trained him.  I will have to hand it to him for admitting that.  He's not taking the credit for how good this horse is but his constant bragging is irritating.  Nothing is a forgone conclusion especially in racing.  Anything can happen at the Belmont.  He may very well win and bless him if he does but Dutrow will have a lot of crow to eat if he loses.

What will you say when Big Brown loses to say ...Ready's Echo on Saturday....The Belmont is not the easiest jewel as some may have led you to believe.  Things happen in that race that are inexplicable, absoultely inexplicable! Big Brown does not deserve to be compared to such legendary runners as Big Red UNTIL he completes the task on Saturday.  All of this hype is premature he still must negotiate the "The Test of the Champion".  If Spectacular Bid couldn't win the Belmont than it certainly is within reason that Big Brown might not be up to it....

I would like to remind you Draynay that BB's win on the grass was a condition race NOT a Grade ONE or even a Grade TWO.Lots of these stake winning 3 year olds  broke their maiden or N/2 by many many lenghs.If they are that good they should break their maiden by that many.

Karen, No I'm not so naive as to think that Dutrow is the only one drugging horses.  I've known for some time that Pletcher, Asmussen, and the rest of them have been getting away with it.  There is a piece in today's NY Times reviewing the Belmont field and who will be on steroids.  Both Pletcher and Zito's response were "no comment".  (Zito talks the talk about caring for the horse, I guess failing to walk the walk). You are right about one thing and that is Dutrow does come out and say it like it is.  But what you have to remember is that right now it IS about him, right or wrong.  He just happened to fall in the limelight on the heels of Eight Belles' breakdown, and the  open discuss (finally!) about what needs to change in racing.  

Fanofclass spoke of how Lukas was different because he spoke with class.  I also remember a pre-Derby interview where he openly said he pushes his 2-year olds hard and fast to get them to win and get his owners a quick return on their money because that's what owners want.  Personally, I think Lukas and Baffert (quarter horse trainers), while likable with the media, were really bad for the sport.  Give me a Billy Turner or a Michael Matz or a John Veitch (if you could have heard his speech at the Hall of Fame last summer, now that guy is class!) any day.

Hey fan of class, Mr Dutrow is what he is,ragged as hell around the edges, but what you see is what you get. Pretty smart horseman. He has the best horse and I sure hope he wins the triple crown, you see to survive, horse racing needs a horse for people to associate with, Yeah Dutrow  has had positive test, Baffert ever have one? Lucas ever have one, course, don't make it sound like he is the only one. Horses don't run off the feed bucket any more. I have spent 35 years around the backside and nothing surprise me, but I will say BB is the best horse I have seen in a long time. He absolutely reacs with class.

Monica give it a rest ...what do you want the man to say? "Gee there sure are a lot of good horses in this race. I just hope we get a good trip and get a little lucky." That's what you want huh... "NUTS" How about this..."I have the best horse and frankly unless the rider falls off none of these can stay with him." Bold yes... brash.."YES" but what a breath of fresh air! The guy has been in this game his whole life and Kent D. has been riding 25 years what everyone is trying to tell you is this is by far the best they have ever seen... Big Brown is the end all be all he is unlike anything any of them have ever seen. He doesn't have a bad day he doesn't take a day off he is a monster and the best of the best. What brick do all of you need to be hit with ??? You are seeing one of the greats of all time....WAKE UP !

"BIG BROWN WILL DELIVER!"

isn't ironic that when chappy's previous trainer was murdered, two names were recommended to him for his racehorses -- john servis and richard dutrow. he chose john servis who ended up with smarty. could there be some sour grapes? john servis is one of the classiest men i know and i'm proud of him and his response.

Hank, let's not turn this into a one upsmanship contest. My family has owned,trained, bred and sold race horses and rodeo horses for over 80 years. First my father and then the rest of us,I have been around the backside for 50 years, since I was a kid and have known some of the greats, LeRoy Jolley, Jack VanBerg etc. I'm not saying Dutrow is drugging his horses any more than the trainers who seem to think that is the way to do things. Baffert and Lukas are not the best examples, they have minor infractions. Asmussen now that is a comparison, but I don't think much of him either, although I knew his father and mother when they ran horses in the NM circuit. Dutrow just simply lacks any type of class. Big Brown has been discussed ad nauseum in the comments, even being compared to Secretariat, what a joke. Did you happen to see Point Given or Cigar run? BB can't compare. If you think a Triple Crown by this horse will help horse racing you are delusional. Look what they did to Larry Jones regarding the question of steroids and he is a super nice man. The problem I and a lot of the non industry people that I've been trying to convert have,is that if Dutrow truly wants to represent horse racing in a positive manner you don't have half your comments bleeped out, you don't hype your horse by denegrating other trainers. The drug use I was speaking of is his not the horse. When his father didn't and brother doesn't speak to him, then maybe he needs to turn his criticism inward. If the horse wins the TC, get back and comment in two months and we'll see what impact or lack thereof the TC had on racing.

Oh,and Deb. I didn't say Lukas speaks with class, I said he is articulate and educated, if you know the meaning of the former. A lot of trainers and jockeys started in the Quarter Horse business. Lukas has held every record in Thoroughbred racing at one time or another. He pushed his two year olds when everyone was doing the same. He only has 2 two year olds running right now. If he was bad for the sport it was for breakdwons which happen to the best of them, including Michael Matz. John Veitch, hmmm what's he doing now, not training horses for sure. This idea that horse racing isn't about having recognizable people who promote the sport in a positive manner is what will lead to its demise. A few more Bay Meadows and Hollywood Parks and where will it be?

kplease- I think you are on to something with the above post.

Consider the difference in how Dutrow is wired together from say a Barclay Tagg: Dutrow sleeps in his tack room at Belmont when times tough for him, and Barclay Tagg was know to sleep in his horse trailer up at Penn National on cold winter days in December early in his career. While Dutrow still carries the chip on his shoulder and spins out of control with a mouth which routinely engages before his drug-damaged brain cells fire, Tagg becomes his generation's Tom Smith-- the quiet man who let's his horses do the talking (for all of Dutrow's "I listen to the horses" talk, it's a wonder BB can get a word in edge-wise).

Even if we wins the Triple Crown, deep in the recesses Dutrow will always be chasing the ghost of his trainer-Dad, a Dad who told his Son on more than one occassion how the drugs and his temper were being allowed to waste his talents. The resultant falling out between Father and Son left unresolved on his Father's deathbed, hence the Dutrow you see (and hear) today.

Great pyshco-bable, huh? Fact is, it's true. So, in the final analysis, Dutrow actually a pretty sad character. I have little doubt the Servis shot a twisted kind of ancient payback for not having had Smarty Jones delivered to the Dutrow stable.

All the Big Ole Browneye has done is beat up on one of the weaker classes of 3 yr. old I have seen. Brownie should trounce this field and take the Triple Crown not because he is one of the best ever but because there is little or no competition. He will not be around long enough to prove without a doubt he's one of the best. Even if he finishes out the year he will only have shown he's the best of his weak class and maybe have beaten older horses once. So what if he beats Curlin on a fake surface, I don't hear anyone calling him one of the best ever. What would Brownies record be at best? 9 for 9 against nobodys and 1 for 1 against a very good horse on a fake track and no Graded wins on grass. Best ever? You can't be the best ever when you haven't proven yourself over all conditions and 90% of your wins come against a very inferior class. Draynay's right about one thing and that is Brownie can't prove anything by continuing to run against this weak class. The only way he can prove he belongs in mention with the best ever is to continue his carreer and go seek the top competition on every surface and beat them. Not gonna happen. This relagates him to being mentioned as might have been one of the best ever but never  proved it.

Rick Dutrow is really amazing.  I've never seen anyone invite fate to derail a horse more fervently than this guy does every time he opens his big mouth.  John Servis is a class act and I'll tell you another thing - Smarty Jones would beat Big Brown any day of the week.

With all the talk about Dutrow and Big Brown, please take a moment to think about the greatness of Citation,Native Dancer, Bold Ruler, Forego, and Kelso. They accomplished so much without "bute', Lasix, or steroids.

Training horses today is more about chemistry than about knowledge about the horse and race preparation. Breeding today is mostly commercial. Yearlings and two-year olds for sale are also treated with steroids. In years past the true horseman were about improving the breed: people like Kleberg, Wright, Payson, Guggenheim, Vanderbilt(King Ranch,Calumet Farm, Greentree, Cain Hoy). The horse today isn't the same.

Finally, imagine Casino Drive is going to run in the Belmont without steroids?  Amazing!!!!!!!!!!

Draynay,  I do not have to defend the LEGENDARY Secretariat to you or anybody.  Secretariat does not need defending,  and there is no way he was great in a 5 week stretch.  He was great throughout his entire career.  Also he ran when he wasn't 100% many times because his connections weren't worried about him getting hurt. Did you know that he faced older not once, not twice but multiple times. He also wasn't so fragile that he had to stay in the barn as a 2 year old. You haven't been involved in racing since 1969, have you.?  I've seen the great ones,  you have not.  You see a fragile, lightly raced injury ridden 3 year old that was born in a year that procued one of the worst crops of 3 years olds I have personally seen aince 1968.  You are very immature and take your argumanet about Secretariat to some knowledgable raceing people and they will not give you the time of day with your stupidity.  Big Brown did not run a sub 2 mintue derby and he WILL NOT come close to Secrearait's Belmont Stakes time.  Did you know that Secretariat ran 1 1/8 miles in winning the 1973 Marlboro Cup in 1:45,  that's right, missy, go look it up.  Big Brown will NEVER be able to Match the speed times of Secretariat,  NEVER. You know why,  because he's not capable and never will be.  I don't what planet you were born in,  but it wasn't Earth.  The Brown will never duplicate anything Big Red Did,  NEVER,  GOT IT.  He was also a 2 year old champion,  yet another accomplishment the Brown will never duplicate.  Grow up and please, put down those books on Ruffian and Seabiscut,  because I do believe your brain has been looked in the eye and it aint looking too good.  Take your argument to some longtime racing enthusiast who have seen the real champions and honey,  your argument doen't hold water.  Undeafeated means nothing,  go dig up Ruffian and ask her.

Draynot once again you have proven to everyone you have no idea what you are talking about.  Big Brown has raced no one??? Lol.. Big Brown has beaten Multiple Graded Stakes winners by Multiple lengths. He unlike Secretariat has won every race by 5 or more and did it facing full or nearly full fields.  Draynot answer me this... How many times did Secretariat at 3 face fields of 10 or more other than the Derby? The Gotham, the Wood, the Whitney Stakes, the Bay Shore Stakes, the Preakness, the Woodward Stakes, the Belmont...and the list goes on all small field of 5 or 6.

Big Brown is facing weak 3 year olds LOL.. at least he is facing some Secretariat faced no one and lost several times in tiny small fields against nobodies like Onion and Prove Out... give it a rest until you can come back with something and know what you are talking about.

BB works this morning in a minute.Nice work,gallups out in a decent time.That sets him up nicely for Saturday.The foot seems to be holding up well without a patch,maybe that quarter crack will be a none issue on race day.I want to see a Triple Crown winner,cause all the hype good and bad helps the sport.I'm amazed at how all the bloggers believe in their point of view.Don't lose that passion guys,it's what makes life interesting!

Dutrow is a drag, is arrogance is ruining the Triple Crown for me.  I am pulling for Casino Drive to beat Big Brown.

Hey Draynay and Draynot.I'm going to see if I can get ahold of Ron Turcotte's brother Yves.He rode for us years ago and was a jocks agent for awhile.Nice guy.I'll run all this by him and see if he will comment on this site.No promises, but I'll try.

To anyone who thinks Secretariat is not as great as he seemed--look at his races. He ran the first sub-2:00 minute Derby in history, his performance in the Belmont was one for the ages. he won by 31 lengths and in a time of 2:24!! No horse in 35 years has ever come close and I do not believe one ever will. I remember that race like it was yesterday, and I have a tape of it. To this day, I still get chills down my back when I hear Chic Anderson's exclamation "Secretariat is all alone! He's a sixteenth of a mile in front of the rest of the horses!" His win in the Marlboro Cup, in a worls record of 1:45 for the 1-1/8 miles was tremendous--and who did he beat--only Riva Ridge, a dual classic winner and that year's best older horse, as well as Key to the Mint, the colt who denied Riva Ridge top three-year-old honors in 1972; Kennedy Road, then the best grass horse in training; Cougar II, an outstanding handicap horse and winner of the Santa Anita Handicap; Annihilate 'Em, a classy stakes winner; and finally, tough little Onion. That race was run in September of 1973--months after his Triple Crown glory. These are the types of performances that make a horse great. They live on in memory and never fade. Good as Big Brown is, and he is very good, his performances are those of a very good horse, not a great one. He has not reached that pinnacle. We shall see what happens in the Belmont. He has all the ingredients to make a great horse--we can only hope that his connections keep him around long enough to put it all together.  And that his trainer, especially, will have the humility and grace to handle it like a sportsman and gentleman, not the arrogant and abrasive blowhard we have been exposed to since the Florida Derby.

I do like BB but can't stand his trainer, Way to cocky for me. BB is a good horse but not a great one like the Secretariats or the Affirmed or Seattle Slew. His trainer needs to think before he opens that big wide trap of his.

John Servis is a class act.

Draynay you are perhaps related to Dutrow and share his "glowing personality?" First of all where did I ever say anything about Secratariat? Sure Brownie beat some graded winners but someone had to win those races. It does not change the fact that the winners of those races come from an inferior class. Derby win over a second place filly (god rest her soul) who wasn't even the top of her class, Preakness win in a mediocre time against a number of NW2 eligibles. That the Big Ole Browneye was able to win with so little experience reinforces that the competition was weak rather than endorses his greatness. Greatness is measured only over a long period of time and against many generations older and younger and exibited with the ability to win when things go wrong. The Big Ole Browneye has never experienced any signifigant trouble to overcome against top competition (much less faced top competition) and still won and never will get the chance to prove over time that he can beat anything other than his own weak class and maybe an older horse or two. Give it a rest until he proves that. Winning by 5 means nothing against those he should have beaten by 12, that happens every day.

Wow! This conversation certainly went in 100 directions fast.  To the original point at hand - Not only are Servis' comments classy, as I recall, the comments made in the winner's circle after the 04 Belmont were also beyond classy & gracious.  Marylou Whitney all but apologized for causing the sport to miss a Triple Crown.  Funny thing - Birdstone was my pick for the Derby.  I didn't buy into Smarty Jones until the Preakness and I was emotionally confused at the end of the Belmont.  BUT - to win with class & grace is SOOOOOO much harder than losing with class/grace.  Mr. Dutrow would be well served to make note of this.  He certainly could take a lesson from her on humility & grace.

To address the comments about Secretariat facing smaller fields - that is generally considered a compliment when few want to show up and race you.  Sam Riddle had to beg the owner of Hoodwink to enter the Belmont against Man o'War.  The fact that the Preakness had a nearly full field and the Belmont has 9-10 says Big Brown isn't scaring them off yet.  Even the regular faces that cover horse racing for ESPN were calling this year's 3 year old crop mediocre before the Derby.  That seems to be the consensus all around. He will have to come back at 4 and do well for many to be convinced he belongs in the 'great' category.  As always, only time will tell.

fan of class,  ouch!  Nice "classy" comback!  Me ain't got no education I guess.  Being a media darling will only get you so far if you continue to push the limits and break horses down.  See Lukas' period post Union City breakdown for further proof.  For whatever racing has done over the past 50 years, whether you agree or disagree, what we all need to recognize is that when Eight Belles went down, racing has reached some point of critical crossroads.  If we walk away and forget about all these issues, shame on us.  I concede Lukas, Dutrow, Zito, Baffert and the rest has a history for what it is, records included.  It's not what was that will define us (this sport), it's what will be.  And you know, we keep knocking Dutrow on this board, but the truth is, owners are equally responsible, breeders, gamblers (must you demand higher and higher beyer speed figures), vets.  It's an endless list.  (I really recommend you check out Veitch's speech from last year.  I know (yes I do know a few things) he doesn't train anymore.  But he is an eloquent advocate for the welfare of the horse and that to me is the best ambassador we have today.  

Draynay, you must be fairly new to racing and I'm not sure you quite grasp it completetly. When you say Secretariat lost "several" times, please enlighten us. Secretariat started 21 times. I love BB but would have to agree that comparing him to Secretariat is a little far fetched. BB deserves his due and is an exciting race horse and has thrilled many of us with his brilliance and classy way of racing. He is in the now and that is a great thing. But Secretariat has a far more superior race record. The facts don't lie. When comparing race horses of yesterday and today, there are a few things to take into consideration. Its the only way as clearly they will never face off. You must look at the facts of each race. You cannot deny that Secretariat has set many track and world records that still stand 35 years later.  

I loved Smarty Jones,I like Big Brown and Secretariat is the best ever. Dutrow is a still jerk that gets lucky with good horses but I still hope Big Brown wins the TC. GO BIG BROWN!!!!!!!!!

To send this conversation 101 directions... I wonder which horse will be better prepped for the Belmont?  Casino Drive who put in a slow work or BB who put in a fast work?  Smarty worked too fast in preparation for the Belmont and it among other factors may have cost him the Triple Crown.

Claiming that Big Brown belongs in the same breath as Secretariat is not only premature but it will likely end up being impossible.  Big Brown did not have a 2-year-old campaign against anything other than a group of maidens.  Next, he truly hasn't beaten anyone in the first two legs of the Triple Crown (with all due respect to the gutsy Eight Belles, her finishing second in the Derby underscores my point.) I'm a big believer that class trumps race times but having said that, times do matter when appraising a horse's greatness.  Look at Dr. Fager, Secretariat and Ruffian to name three - they all beat some very nice horses AND did it more often than not in track record time.  Finally, Big Brown will never be permitted to face older horses and we all know that.  Sure, there's big talk now about pointing him to the Breeder's Cup but the financial realities of the matter for all involved parties will prevent that from ever taking place.  No to mention that fact that when it comes down to it, Dutrow knows that Curlin will eat Big Brown's lunch.  I just wish ol' Big Brown was in another trainer's hands.... I would be really enjoying this year's Triple a lot better.

Deb, I simply clarified that I said Lukas was articulate, you said classy,I never inferred that you are ignorant if that's the way you took it, your problem. I've been voicing my opinion about Dutrow's foul language,denegration of other trainers and horses, basically what this article is talking about, and how I don't think it benefits racing, nor will a TC when this trainer is involved I have heard all of Lukas' comments from Union City,before, during, after and up to Charismatic, where he showed a lot of "class". I don't have an agenda with these other trainers the way you apparently do. I'm speaking strictly of pre race comments, not comparable to post race comments on a horse who broke down. I'm not focused on the medication issue, that would be hypocritical because, although horses are our family's avocation the medical field is our vocation as pharmacists etc. My point is similar to the comment you made earlier "Racing must be cringing right about now.  Been waiting for years to have a Triple Crown win save the sport and this owner/trainer combo comes along.  Worse image imaginable.  

Deb 31 May 2008 4:25 PM" Now you turn it into a crusade against the 'darlings of the media'( I should call Wayne and tell him about that one, what a laugh).

If you have issues with Lukas, Baffet etc I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree, it's about what's happening right now and how badly Dutrow is handling it. By the way, I've read the transcript of Veitch's speech, also heard him speak a number of times including after the races betwee Affirmed and Alydar and he has his moments as all of us humans do. Just out of curiosity what is your involvement in horse racing?

Can't we all just get along?

Melissa: in my opinion you want to see a work like BB had today. He needed that breeze and it was just what Durtow wanted. Keep in mind the Belmont is still 4 days away. BB worked perfectly today. Nevins claimed he was even a little rank. You can't take a horse into the Belmont rank. He needed to take the edge off. He is a tremendous athlete.

Over the past 30 years I have seen many Belmonts that had a chance to have another triple crown winner.  The last one was 4 years ago with Smarty Jones.  Each of the horses lost the mile and a half Belmont for one reason or another.  Everyone gets too caught up in the possibility of a triple crown winner that there is a good reason we have only had 11 triple crown winners.  It is very difficult to do.  Big Brown may very well win the Belmont this year because of the lack of competition he has faced.  I have watched all of his five races and he has never really been tested.  The Belmont is a very different race from the others and no one knows if he will want to go a mile and a half.  He has already accomplished a lot and no one should be surprised if a horse that no one has ever considered steps up and wins the race.  A lot of horses have won the Belmont that were very mediocre horses and some horses actually need that extra distance.  The most important thing is that every horse makes it back to his barn safely and we can consider the race a success.

Jus' wondering...With all this talk about Smarty, was it just me who noticed, or did Jerry Bailey have a personal vendetta against poor Stewey.  What in the world was Eddington doing so close to the lead? In regard to BB, it's a shame that this amazing creature is not being "shown a lot of love" from the racing world because of his connections. We should be embracing this horse but I know I'm finding it tough. All we need is for him to injure his foot in the race, spoil the triple crown and all racing would have to show for all this hoopla will be two big black eyes.

I am all for Big Brown winning the triple crown, but Dutrow should not be running his mouth like he is.  The fact is that a horse winning the triple crown would be good for horseracing.  (I don't think it would really do much for it other then create some excitement for the Breeders' Cup).  That being said, Dutrow is making the public look upon the event of a triple crown winner with angst and negativity, which is the last thing horseracing needs.

Go back and watch all of Smarty's races- he always had a clean trip. I think that had to do mostly with his tactical speed. In the Belmont he was sandwhiched between 2 monsters and had to handle an adverse trip. Subsequently he lost by a length. In my opinion, brownie has already had a lot of adversity in races. When he won the fla derby from the 12 hole i was astonished. then he went 5-6 wide for a mile and 1/4 and won for fun. In the preakness he was squeezed, then cut off and still toyed with them. Having seen him hanlde these adversities makes me cautiously optimistic....

All right Karen let me enlighten you.

The Wood Memorial

Whitney Stakes

Woodward Stakes (Beaten by 4 lengths)

All loses for Secretariat and against  average horses in short fields

Karen notice how each and every race Secretariat was in as a 3 year old features him and 4 or 5 other horses? Huh What? do you really call that competition? Race after race he only had to beat 4 or 5 and 3 times couldn't do it and that is your greatest ever?  Yes... some nice records but... 3 loses to short fields a loss to some horse called Onion ?  Shouldn't the best ever show up EVERY time he races and not just certain ones?  Big Brown shows up every time and wins every time.  That to me is greatness.  Look up Native Dancer and tell me with a honest face how you could place Secretariat ahead of him...tell me how.

Classy? Birdstone had the most class of any runner in the belmont. G 1 winner before and after that race with a terrible spring with some legit excuses like dropping 2 shoes on a sealed track. Since that race i've wondered 2 things: How did he go off at 36-1 and why did i not box that exacta!!!!

After reading many of these passionate comments, i am pleased that horse racing is very alive. I have watched more races in my life than seems possible for various reasons. My conclusion is very simple...Smarty Jones was a very nice horse who pulled away from a pack of very decent horses including multiple grade one winner Rock Hard Ten. He couldn't hold off very well bred Birdstone, who's older sister won the Kentucky Oaks. Birdstone was under a drive for most of the race, but found the distance to his liking as did Easy Goer when he beat the great Sunday Silence. Stewart Elliot rode the race that the situation allowed him to and has taken heat for what i deem a excellant ride. He did not have a great post to work with and took pressure from everywhere. Final conclusion for me was and is that the 2004 Belmont was Smarty Jones best race of his life and he retired a true champion. As for his trainer, i thought Servis did an unbelievable job thrughout Smarty's career and proved that he can handle a big horse.

As for Big Brown...WOW is the best way to describe him. His mental attitude seperates him from most other great equine athletes. He will need his best to beat another really good thoroughbred in Casino Drive, who could not have been at his best for the Peter Pan. A great race is in store for all fans of this great game.

Melissa G-- in answer to your direction no. 101, I say Casino Drive bounces in this, his second start since coming out of quarantine and a then-fresh horse winning the Peter Pan. Simply put, I see Casino Drive as a non-factor coming down that long Belmont stretch. Although the pickings slim, I would look elsewhere to fill out your exotics-- maybe Anak Nakal; seemingly less likely, as who knows which version of Tale of Ekati shows up Saturday; and, hopefully,  one more time for Icabad Crane.

I do not understand why BB's owners are not putting a muzzle on Dutrow. With the negative publicity they have received recently about past business practices, they don't need their trainer flapping his fat arrogant gums like the conceited  moron he is for any microphone shoved in his face. Shut him up!! Borrow BB's tongue tie and place it in Dutrow's mouth!!  

First, I hope all the horses racing at Belmont come out of the races in good condition.

Next, Big Brown has shown himself to be a push button horse, willing to rate and move with his jockey guiding.  So any rabbit will tire some other horse out if they chase it.  Big Brown will not be chasing it.

This assumes Kent Desormeaux has gained enough experience in pressure races, such as Real Quiet's Belmont, to better time his move.  I'm willing to concede the jockey will do his job correctly.

So to me, Big Brown has a good shot at the Triple Crown.

But he is not a lock, as Casino Drive appears to have all the genetics and connections to be a fierce contender.

Sit on Big Brown a little longer, Kent, and hope he has the eye of the tiger to run his heart out to the wire.

It should be a great race.

draynay,

I hear you can get 15/1 on the Big Ole Browneye at Wynn's in Vegas Futures on the Breeders Cup Classic. Here's your chance to put up or shut up. Bet the house boy!!

Janesville Liz-- anyone who knows Ricky or his late Dad knows you will have to tape his mouth shut in order to keep him quiet. As for the owners, it seems likely they are throughly enjoying Dutrow's hijinks, as Iavarone in particular is likely even more shady in his past business practices than the trainer's. Calling Iavarone a Wall Street investment banker, as his own resume has it, is akin in the reflexive to calling BB a nice stable pony.

with dutrows past , he sure has a lot of gall critizing anyone about anything.....its to bad he isnt handling this in a more classy way...he has a wonderful horse and you would think with his sordid past that he would be thankful for what he has but instead he is acting like an immature little brat.....GO BIG BROWN,,,,,,,

I can't take it anymore... some of the articles lately and the opinions of Big Brown just drive me nuts. Marty McGee wrote an article "Big Brown already had his Bounce" I still can't get over the shock. Clocks, Beyers, speed ratings, Bouncing, have you all lost your minds? Stop looking at things that do not matter and try to measure what is really going on.  Winning a Triple Crown is harder today then it was in the 1970's when horse faced small fields. Racing in this day and age has fresh 3 year olds coming at you from all angles. But who are the experts that rate these races and are the ratings any good? How do you rate a Preakness performance like Big Brown had and call it a "Bounce"? He regressed? What race were you watching? He won a Triple Crown race with such ease it seemed to be a 10k claiming race. He could of opened up at any point in the race and won by 15 or 20... but what good would that have done? Is Big Brown even greater if he opens up ALL the way to the finish line and wins by 15 or perhaps he is greater because he can coast home under wraps in a Triple Crown race and win by 5. Bob Black Jack is the World Record Holder at 6 furlongs...where is he? Better yet who cares?  Big Brown is going to win the Belmont with ease by going to the lead and clipping off fractions other horses only dream of...is he going to set a time record...NO...he is going to win the race and make it look easy.

The test of a true champion is to show up and win every time even with an injury.  Big Brown "Bounce" you have to be joking...maybe you need to watch his races and realize he is just now starting to figure it out...he is still getting better... keep hiding Curlin you don't want any part of this Triple Crown Winner.

Not sure when the Belmont Stakes became a claiming race, but the entry of Fred Seitz's Guadalcanal, yet to break his maiden, sure not on my radar screen. Wonder if he will be playing the John Wayne role, or is yet another Japanese-connected entry? Seeing how he is by Graeme Hall o/o Besette, I don't see any Japan in the pedigree.

Speaking of which, rckolon, you are right about rabbits being futile, hence the reason why Spark Candle not running. When it is all said and done, however, he WILL fare better racing in the Grade 3 on Friday than his stablemate, Casino Drive, will on Saturday. Casino Drive = nonfactor.

Draynay: Your facts still did not enlighten me to your idea that Secretariat lost "several" times. Considering he started 21 times and was only out of the money once. Either you don't understand the significance of the times Secretariat ran his races regardless of who he was racing against or you are simply a very narrow minded racing fan who has a hard time recognizing the accomplishments of others. You are stuck on his loss to Onion but fail to take into consideration all the factors that come into play during a race. Including the fact that he had just come off the TC schedule but not limited to that. Even the best have off days. Are you a fan of any other sport? Surely you can understand this logic. Furthermore, this debate is not about Native Dancer. We were discussing BB racing record versus Big Red. I might also add that I don't disagree with you regarding BB and that is not a secret. I think he is brilliant. I agree 100% with Larry Zap's post in the respect that BB has the mental attitude that seperates him from the rest. That alone is a quality that can and will win races even against horses bred to run the mile and half.

With that said, I will agree to disagree with you as I for one don't like to compare the horses of the past to the horses of the here and now. I firmly believe we have to enjoy each day we are given with these splendid animals while honoring those in the past. At this point I don't see anyone beating the big brown monster as his work yesterday was right on target. However, as we both know, triple crowns are spoiled and horses can lose a sure race in a blink of an eye.  

If there was a ever a time when the racing Gods were going to step in and spoil a Triple Crown bid, this is it.  Rick Dutrow's mouth is simply too big and his comments too arrogant and stupid for any other result.  Just watch.

O.K. I need some opinions here. BB drew the rail and I don't know what to think of that. Is this good or bad?  I am a little concerned about this post position. What are all of your thoughts?

Draynay your comment "keep hiding Curlin" what's that suppose to mean? Curlin is a 4 year old. BB has run against straight 3 year olds.How could he be ducking BB when he is not eligible to run against him? Curlin is entered in the Stephen Foster on the 14 of June.I'ts his first start since his commanding victory in the World Cup in March.Do you need to take a course on how to read a condition book? We get that you are a huge BB fan,but don't make stupid comments like that.

Karen drawing the rail with your average horse can mean two things. If you have tactical speed you can make them run around you,in other words they have to run harder at the start to get the postion they need to run their best race.If your horse likes the front end he gets there easier and can dictate the pace depending on who else goes with him.In BB's case he has so much talent and such a good mind that the rider can put him anywhere depending on how the race unfolds.That's the key to this horse.He's so easy to ride.It sounds simple but you have to remember that horses have different personalitys and some of them can get worked up early in a race.It's very hard to settle a horse like that. Hope this helps.

I must commend the Bloodhorse on the amazing job they do. I personally love these blogs and am thrilled to have discovered them after a long time subscriber of the magazine. It is refreshing to share my passion for this industry with others who feel the same. It gives me an outlet. I really enjoyed the article regarding the near triple crown misses. Anyone who doesn't put together the emotional human/horse connection with this sport just doesn't get it. Thanks for blogging with me. Even if we disagree. I would rather be blogging and disagreeing with you than not talking about it at all!! GO BIG BROWN!

To Karen: BB AKA 'Splotchy's' post position doesn't matter going a mile and a half. The biggest hurdle is (as for the entire field) whether he can handle the distance. Charlie Whittingham used to say 'post position doesn't mean a thing' in reference to the 'Big 'Cap' at Santa Anita and that's only run at a mile and a quarter 'without any water'! For one thing, in a long race like the Belmont, you have time to correct a mishap if one should occur, (see '78 Jockey club Gold Cup where Cordero briefly lost an iron going into the clubhouse turn on Seattle Slew) other than the saddle slipping (like Affirmed's saddle did in the same race) as opposed to a sprint. Since 'Old Sandy' has wide sweeping turns, position should not be a factor. Moving too soon or too late however is another story altogether, providing the rider still has horse underneath him, the horse doesn't bleed in the race, clip heels etc...

I think "Draynay" is really Rick Dutrow based on the stupidity of the comments I've seen here.

Can you imagine Dutrow's mouth flapping in disbelief if the maiden pops up and wins. I almost think that would be too funny. The shady connections and Dutrow's mouth running with arrogance are enough to spoil the Triple Crown for me if BB wins. He is such a nice horse--it is so sad that his people have to be and blowhards. Why oh why could he not belong to the Phipps stable?

Post position is no consequence as this horse can overcome anything...Right ?

Karen, if BB had drawn the rail for the Preakness, I would have been more concerned.  However, this horse obviously trusts Kent and allows himself to be rated (as shown in the Preakness.  I'm more concerned with jockeys who have a chip on their shoulder trying to box him in.  Kind of a 9 vs. 1 scenario.  Kent D is smart and he knows his horse.  He'll probably try to shoot him to the lead early to keep him out of trouble and then slow the pace down.

Yes, taking BB mind/talent combination, the more I think about it, the more the position doesn't bother me.  I would think there will be those that will bolt out and try to set a fast pace however my thought is BB won't go with them. I'm even thinking Kent will let the others break fast and keep BB back and then maybe take him to the outside to avoid traffic problems. I think it was the traffic jams that we see that has caused me concern. If he gets in there with the thick of these horses right off the bat he could get bounced around which is something BB is not used to. At the same time he can't really pull BB up and risk being caught to far back for this stretch run. Should be interesting. I'm sure Kent is thinking about this 24/7 which I hope isn't to much pressure. I have faith he will use his experience and the tactical talent of this colt and ride a smart race. I wish this would hurry up and get over already.

Did you guys see Curlin's work the other day or rather read about it? He galloped out the mile in 1:37 and change.Went the mile and an eighth in 1:51 and change he's baaack!Earnings at 8,807,800.Third on the list of all time leading earnings in NA. 11 starts,8-1-2 record.I'd sure like to see him top the list.

Lol... now that is something we can agree about Karen !!! I love talking horses and go Big Brown....

Wanda- let me make this perfectly clear for you... Curlin will never face Big Brown... not here...not there... no anywhere. The Curlin connections will do everything they can to avoid the Triple Crown Winner.

Wow 5 for 5 against no competition and you still argue the Big Ole Browneye is the best ever? Maybe Mr. Frisky should have been retired BEFORE his derby attempt so he would fit there as well. It doesn't matter what race you win if it is against inferior competition. 5 for 5 against nuttin don't mean squat. I think I'll line up some senior citizens to race 100 yds. against and do it 5 times. Could I claim to be the fastest ever if I win all of those? I mean if time don't matter I should be able to make that claim huh?  

After running against Curlin,Rags to Riches was never the same. The same could be said about Street Sense. If and when BB runs against Curlin and they go eyeball to eyeball, we will really see what he is made of. Remember Bernadini looked like a super horse until he was challenged in the BC.

Draynot do you have any idea what you are talking about? NO COMPETITION ? Try 20 horse field in the Derby...12 in the Preakness 10 in the Belmont.

Please do me a favor and come back and tell me how many times as a 3 year old Secretariat faced a field of 10 or more... before you spout off again and claim no competition...take a look at Secretariat and the 5 and 6 horse fields he faced race after race after race................

Big Brown will face more horses to win the Triple Crown than ANY other horse in history.  Please do all of us a favor and consider changing your name from Draynot to Duhhhhh....

Why Draynay? You keep beaking off about Curlin avoiding BB.I explained to you why they haven't met yet but you still throw out these stupid comments.Come on For a guy that's suppose to be the handicapper of the decade,you can't come up with any thoughtful reasonable answers other than he will win.You just make the same old noise.If your going to talk the talk,I suggest you start walking the walk.

Oh...Wanda you wnat a piece of this? Your boy Curlin got whipped by Hard Spun TWICE... Your boy Curlin got whipped by a filly...lol.. a filly...in the Belmont..lol.. ??? I don't think any fillies will ever race Big Brown again. Back to your boy who won ONLY 1 Triple Crown race and then beat Lawyer Ron in the Breeders Cup... Big Deal ! How many Triple Crown wins does he have??? If you want to brag about Curlin have something to brag about. He beat a one track horse and a miler.,, not exactly Triple Crown stuff now is it.... Big Brown the Triple Crown winner will be at the Breeders Cup...chirp....chirp ...chirp... those are the sounds coming from Curlin's connections.

Draynay: Easy now. Not fair to bring up Eight Belles tragic breakdown in that manner. I believe the emotional scars are still fresh.

I think Hard Spun only beat Curlin once if I am not mistaken. Curlin also tied the track record in his Preakness run and was three year old horse of the year and cleaned house in the Dubai world cup. Kind of hard to dismiss the fact that Curlin is an incredibly talented colt. He came into his own the fall of his three year old year and has continued to improve. I don't think he will face BB if BB goes to the classic because of the polytrack. Can't say as I blame them. I'm not sold on sythetic surfaces.  I would have liked to see BB run with the likes of the three year old crop last year. Based on the research I have done I believe he could have been game with them but believe the three year olds last year were exceptional and would have given him a run for his money. Draynay: do you have any respect for any other horses than BB?

You were right Draynay, Curlin did beat Hard Spun twice. I forgot about the Haskel Invitational. I loved Hard Spun. I wish he would have raced at 4. I think he would have been a force to be reckoned with.

Lol... again! Something we can agree on yes Hard Spun was a mans horse..true guts and speed.  Could have been the best miler in many years...

Karen ...let me give you some background.  After viewing Big Browns Allowance race I knew he was something very special and told any who would listen he would dominate the Florida Derby and win big...he did.  After that on this very forum I told everyone here that he would whip the field in the Derby and be our next Triple Crown winner.  EVERYONE laughed and scoffed and told me how wonderful the California horse were...which by the way no one talks about the California horses anymore. I saw greatness then and I see it now and still...after fantastic performances its not enough or the competition is not enough or the times are not fast enough...huh ? What? I have been watching horses for many years ...haven't seen one like him.  Not one. Big Brown wins every time and does it with ease...he is racing against VERY large fields 12 in the Florida Derby 20 in Kentucky 12 at the Preakness and 10 in the Belmont. Huge fields compared to any other Triple Crown winner in 50 years yet people still don't get it....tell me Karen what is it going to take? How does an injured horse with limited prep time get rushed into the Triple Crown races and win by huge margins and dominate all foes while bleeding through his tape and suffering even more cracks to his feet and EVERYONE not just be in awe of what they are witnessing. Horses don't win the Derby on only 3 races from the 20 post going 4 wide... its impossible.  That same horse couldn't possibly win the Preakness with ease again coasting home the last 300 yards and still win by 5... thats impossible.  Horses do not do what Big Brown is doing and they do not do it every time like Big Brown is. But it will never be enough for many but there will never be a finer 3 year old performance by any horse past or present or future than the perfection you are witnessing right now...You are witnessing the finest 3 year old campaign ever.

guess I will have to spell it out nice and slowwwwww for youuuu Draynayyyyy so youuuu understandddd what I meannnn by nooooo competitionnn. the numberrrr offfff horsessss innnn a raceeeee doooo notttt makeee theee competitionnnnn. I ammmm referingggg toooo theeee classs offff competitionnnn the browneyeeee hasss facedddd. Ittttt issssss weakkkkkkkk. As for the "Graded Winners" he has faced I will say it again. Somehorseeeee hadddd toooo winnnn thoseeee racessss. Justtttt becauseee theyyyyy callll themmmm gradedddd doesn'ttttt makeeee theeeee qualityyyy offff theeee horsessss thatttt rannnn greattttt. I hope that was slow enough for your mind to comprehend. So far the Big Ole Browneye has faced no competition in regards to class. The only reason he has faced "graded winners" is because some horse had to win those races regardless of real class. And once again you ask me to recite Secratariats records to you. I never compared your hero to Secratariat. Before you respond to me again take a break from your senior moment and respond to what I have said not just blurt out your tired comments.

Draynot.. or Duhhh what don't you understand ? Every 3 year old in the world stinks and Big Brown is just better than a average group. Every year people think the group is average last year the group was average with no real stand out.  This year unlike any in 30 years we have a stand out.  Duhhh... let me put it to you this way trainers and jockey's who have been around horses all their lives say they have never seen a horse like him. Do you think maybe they know more than you?  Kent D. has been on thousands of horses and says Big Brown is the best by far...look it up jr. look at some of the horses this guy has been on.  Like it or not Big Brown will be the most successful 3 year old in history.

Triple Crown Winner and undefeated.

Draynay: I don't dispute your claims about BB. I have also defended his accomplishments on these blogs and have studied the fractions and times for proof. You don't need to sell me on BB. I'm already sold.  My point is you can't look past the accomplishments of others such as Curlin. Or much further back in history such as the great Big Red. Thats all. I like your confidence in BB and hope your right. I will be rooting for him all the way and personally feel he is the horse to beat. We all know strange things happen in the Belmont and it's not always the best horse that wins. I am concerned about CD's pedigree. He is conditioned and bred to do the distance. Which is a huge factor and cannot be ignored. With BB's push botton style, I do believe he will be able to sit off the pace and explode at the end. I just hope Kent knows when to ask for it.

Karen I agree with you... I am not trying to dump on Sham or Secretariat or any other horse. But tell me if he wins the next 3... The Belmont, Travers and Breeders Cup... and then retires is he or is he not the most successful 3 year old ever ? 6 G1 wins in a row? Undefeated...? Who matches up with that?  Will it or will it not be the greatest 3 year old campaign ever...6 G1 wins in a row a Triple Crown and undefeated... he is then  #1 3 year old of all time yes...?

Draynay,

Should BB win the Belmont, Travers and Breeders cup, he may very well be considered one of the best three year olds ever. It will definately be the best three year old campaigns I have ever witnessed. I don't want to put the cart before the horse. He still needs to accomplish this and in my opinion the Belmont will be the biggest test. The mile and half is the true test and the hardest by far. Not to mention he has a quarter crack that I do fear may worsen after this race or even worsen while he is running on Saturday. I just hope not. In dealing with my own horses hoof problems, quarter cracks are nasty and can be extrememly painful. I am on board for the ride Draynay. I will be there with you cheering for the Big Brown monster because I myself do believe he is special. The acceleration he had in the Preakness is honestly something I have never witnessed and it sent shivers down my spine. I have watched it a million times and never get sick of it. I was in disbelief when it happened. Granted I have seen a surge before and I have seen horses win big but never before have I seen a horse accelerate like that. Never.  

Is a BB win in the stars?  Along with Danzig Connection in the Belmont Stakes, Boundary also had one of his biggest wins at Belmont.  I definitely think BB will get the distance and the Triple Crown with a flourish, and history will remember the horse, not his gauche trainer, although Dutrow's cockiness at least has given the pre-race media something to write about.  All in all he's done a great job getting Big Brown ready, as did Servis with his horse.  Smarty never relaxed the entire race, whether due to pressure or SE's inexperience, and I see those two things as the biggest difference here - Big Brown will do whatever Desormeaux wants him to, in whatever manner.  But I hope another horse presses the issue.  Maybe then we'll see the best of what Big Brown has to offer in order to begin putting his career into perspective with the other Triple Crown greats.    

I was soooo sad when Smarty lost the Belmont...he's my favorite racehorse...

For this years Belmont I want Big Brown to win. Go Big Brown Go!!!

 For second I would like to see Guadalcanal place...and for show...Macho Again...

I agree with you SJ Fan. I was devastated when Smarty lost. Unfortunately when he made his move to soon I knew it was over. I was screaming at the t.v. It took me a few days to get over the sting of that one. Regardless, Smarty was one helluva race horse. I loved his tenacity (spelled wrong) and his true grit style. He was the best horse that day. I don't care who crossed the wire first.

I just watched the interview by TVG on Dutrow and his jockey, quite interesting, very candid.Each carrying his own demons, real sad about jocks young son. I have one question, how can you people even begin to try and compare SEC and BB? Both are exceptional animals,different times, diff circumstances, but both the absolute best of their times, like arguing what came first chicken or the egg.

Could not have happened to a more deserving trainer. The racing gods were watching.

Sure I would liked to have seen a TC winner, however I never felt this horse was tested. As he ran wide on the final turn I leaped for joy because I knew deep down he did'nt deserve to rated with the elite horses. Nothing against the animal, mind you, just the despicable trainer.

For the record Afleet Alex was the the best horse in the last 10 years.

Well, I guess John Servis got a little redemption at the Belmont yesterday.  That race with Big Brown really made Smarty Jones look good. John Servis did an excellent training job with him and Dutrow is an arrogant big mouth who deserved what he got.  I just hope Big Brown is okay as I would never wish anything bad for any horse.  This Triple Crown was tainted from the beginning of the Kentucky Derby and the tragedy with Eight Belles.  If I recall correctly in 2004 after Smarty lost the Belmont John Servis did not hesitate to talk to the media.  The only one of the Big Brown connections who would talk to the press was Kent.  Dutrow is a sore loser.  The only thing we can do now is look forward to next year and hope that there is a 2 year old in someone's barn just waiting to make history next year.