Big Brown progressing

Last updated: 5/26/08 5:00 PM

Ian McKinlay works on arguably the most valuable left hoof in training
(Joseph DiOrio/Horsephotos.com)

Undefeated Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness S. (G1) winner BIG BROWN
(Boundary) showed signs of improvement on Monday as he deals with a slight
quarter-crack. Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. and hoof specialist Ian McKinlay were pleased with
the progress that Big Brown showed that morning, and feel he remains on
schedule to try to become racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner when he goes to post
in the 140th Belmont S. (G1) on June 7.

Big Brown suffered a minor quarter-crack to his left front hoof, and has not
been on the track since Friday. Monday morning, in what was described a day
earlier as a “big day” in determining Big Brown’s schedule, both Dutrow and
McKinlay seemed relieved.

“This morning we stopped and saw him early and a lot of heat had come out
from yesterday, which is an excellent sign,” McKinlay said. “As usual, just a
little bit of movement in that heel is enough to warm up the foot. As we look at
him here, he is not as sensitive on the coronet band.

“Now, we just basically
made a little trench and got him down to the wall, just about to the laminae;
that’s the sensitive part of the hoof. And we put in one set of sutures, which
is like stitches, made of stainless steel wire, and we drew that crack together.
And probably tomorrow, he’ll be in much better shape.

“Of course, Rick will check him first thing in the morning. I’m actually
going to be at Monmouth, but everything should just keep progressing. What we’re
trying to do is stabilize that heel so we can get quicker healing.”

Big Brown is scheduled for a serious breeze on Saturday morning. Dutrow
said that could work be moved to Monday or Tuesday, but would not be made any
earlier.

“We can most likely jog him (tomorrow), but I don’t want to do that,” Dutrow
said. “I want Ian to look at him again before we actually go to the track. If he
looks great tomorrow, I still won’t jog him. I most likely will put Michelle (Nevin,
his regular exercise rider) on him and ride him around the shedrow. And I would
be very happy if that happens. It’s a little hiccup on the way over there,
that’s all it is. The time he has missed means nothing to me or him.

“This could also be a very good thing because he burnt his heels (at Pimlico)
and it gives him time to get over that. No way missing four, five or six days is
going to affect the outcome and his racing ability when he runs.”