Big Brown proved he’s the big horse. But, is he an immortal?
The UPS namesake heads to the Belmont Stakes on June 7 seeking to become thoroughbred racing’s first Triple Crown winner in 30 years. Unlike the Preakness Stakes field filled with second-tier colts, the Belmont promises several contenders in the “Test of Champions.”
Big Brown wasn’t tested on Saturday before 112,222 at Pimlico Race Course, though. Jockey Kent Desormeaux saved the colt for the final leg, often restraining Big Brown in the 5 1/4-length victory that could easily been doubled. Desormeaux didn’t even let Big Brown run freely until the top of the stretch.
“I just let him go — bye bye,” said Desormeaux of pulling away.
Big Brown is on the cusp of greatness … and retirement. The colt was sold for a reported $50 million to Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Ky., to become a stallion next year. Big Brown might not even race after the Belmont, and at most twice more.
Such a brief career is why Preakness fans savored watching a potential legend prove himself. The Kentucky Derby winner slipped leaving the starting gate, forcing Desormeaux to “throw out Plan A and B,” but it was a runaway victory. Desormeaux looked back only twice in the stretch to ensure no one was close despite a modest time of 1:54 4/5 over 1 3/16 miles.
Maybe Big Brown didn’t beat much, but he beat them decisively. Sometimes boxers fight bums inbetween title bouts. This was the soft race inbetween hard ones for Big Brown. When it mattered, the bay colt pulled away like the space shuttle.
Second guessers can only wonder if Casino Drive derails Big Brown. Ironically, Desormeaux also rode Casino Drive to a recent stakes victory. The Japanese invader is only 2-0 lifetime, but in a generation devoid of talent, including the weakest Preakness field in a quarter century, Casino Drive seems the only threat. Casino Drive is also a half-brother to the last two Belmont winners Jazil and Rags to Riches.
“I’ve ridden all the horses across the country and [Casino Drive] is the only one that can entertain Big Brown’s stride,” Desormeaux said. “I can’t wait to find out what happens. That’s a cold exacta.”
“It’s cold, babe,” said trainer Rick Dutrow. “He’s going to be awfully tough in the Belmont.
“All the Japanese [owners of Casino Drive] are going to think, when they come here, they thought Godzilla was dead. They’re going to find out he’s not dead.”
Dutrow is remindful of Bud Delp, whose Spectacular Bid was one of racing’s greatest colts only to lose the 1979 Triple Crown after stepping on a safety pin hours before the Belmont to finish third. Dutrow was working on the backstretch for his father, a renowned Maryland trainer, when Delp was boasting from a nearby barn. Maybe the style resonated to the next generation.
Then again, it’s not bragging when you can back it up.
“I don’t think I’m afraid of anything,” Dutrow said. “The horse just keeps impressing.”
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
