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Just How Big is Big Brown?

The colt may be one of the best ever, or the field may just be weak

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 19, 2008 1:25 PM CDT

(Newser) – With Big Brown on the brink of being the first to snag horse racing's Triple Crown in three decades, some are wondering if the colt is really untouchable—or whether he's just the best of a mediocre field. The Belmont Stakes, on June 7, might help answer that question, the New York Times reports, as Big Brown will face another undefeated powerhouse.

Casino Drive is related to the past two Belmont winners, and according to Big Brown's jockey, who has ridden him to victory, Casino Drive is "the only one that can even entertain Big Brown’s stride." The colt's trainer, Rick Dutrow, is confident and ready for the challenge: "Everybody’s going to find out where he belongs."

Exercise rider Michelle Nevin walks Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown around the stall area at Pimlico Race Course, Sunday, May 18, 2008 in Baltimore.
Exercise rider Michelle Nevin walks Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown around the stall area at Pimlico Race Course, Sunday, May 18, 2008 in Baltimore.   (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Kent Desormeaux looks back to check on the field as he takes Big Brown down the stretch before winning the Preakness Stakes. Big Brown may be a truly great horse - or just the best this year.
Kent Desormeaux looks back to check on the field as he takes Big Brown down the stretch before winning the Preakness Stakes. Big Brown may be a truly great horse - or just the best this year.   (AP Photo/Jim Dietz)
Richard Dutrow, trainer of Big Brown, wears a triple crown hat as he listens to a question at Pimlico Race Course, Sunday, May 18, 2008 in Baltimore.
Richard Dutrow, trainer of Big Brown, wears a triple crown hat as he listens to a question at Pimlico Race Course, Sunday, May 18, 2008 in Baltimore.   (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Big Brown ridden by Kent Desormeaux crosses the finish line well ahead of the pack at Pimlico race course. Experts question whether Big Brown is that much better, or the field is somewhat worse.
Big Brown ridden by Kent Desormeaux crosses the finish line well ahead of the pack at Pimlico race course. Experts question whether Big Brown is that much better, or the field is somewhat worse.   (AP Photo/J. David Ake)
Big Brown's chances at the Triple Crown might depend on a good start out of the gate, or on none of the Belmont colts stepping up their game.
Big Brown's chances at the Triple Crown might depend on a good start out of the gate, or on none of the Belmont colts stepping up their game.   (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
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COMMENTS
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Colt rests, heads for Belmont
Newsday

History has not been kind to Crown chasers
Boston Globe

Big Brown won't deliver next year
Baltimore Sun

 
Kentucky Derby • horse racing • Belmont Stakes • Triple Crown • Big Brown • Richard Dutrow Jr. • Kent Desormeaux • Casino Drive • Preakness Stakes

 
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