KENTUCKY DERBY REPORT
MAY 5, 2008
by James Scully
It was an afternoon of brilliance and sadness. BIG BROWN (Boundary) sparkled
with a convincing victory in the 134th Kentucky Derby (G1), dominating as
trainer Richard Dutrow all but promised he would, but the aftermath was marred
by the breakdown of the gallant EIGHT BELLES (Unbridled’s Song). The gray filly
performed so admirably, finishing a clear second with an effort that probably
would’ve won many previous runnings of the Derby, and she gave her life in the
pursuit of glory.
Big Brown put on an awesome display, and speculation immediately turned to
the possibility of a Triple Crown winner when he hit the wire. He looked that
special. In only his fourth career start, the flashy bay was knocked on several
fronts entering the 1 1/4-mile classic, but Big Brown made all the historical
precedents and pedigree analysis irrelevant.
Breaking from post 20, he entered the first turn widest of all, rating a
couple of lengths off the pace under a supremely confident Kent Desormeaux, who
removed any potential for trouble by remaining well off the fence until the
stretch drive. While Desormeaux never displayed an anxious moment, Big Brown’s
supporters were likely worried when he was sixth, nearly five lengths off the
pace, entering the far turn. The 2-1 favorite was in uncharted waters, but the
Kentucky-bred colt eliminated any suspense with an explosive turn of foot,
quickly collaring the leaders and blowing into the stretch drive with an
expanding advantage.
Big Brown earned a commendable 108 BRIS Speed rating for the 4 3/4-length
decision, and he’s got the opportunity to provide a tremendous boost for
Thoroughbred racing over the next five weeks. Nobody will forget the unfortunate
circumstances that befell Barbaro and Eight Belles, but the sport needs a
shining hero. Thirty years have passed since Affirmed captivated the nation,
with many heart-wrenching setbacks in the interim, and Big Brown has the talent
to fill the void. If the same horse shows up at Pimlico and Belmont Park, they
won’t beat him. The biggest concern over the next five weeks is his feet. After
being limited to only one juvenile start due to quarter-crack issues, his
sophomore debut was delayed until March. He’s been sound ever since, and we can
only hope he’ll stay that way.
Eight Belles, who was trained to the minute by the excellent horseman Larry
Jones, raced close to the pace from the outset, battling between rivals while a
couple of lengths back down the backstretch, before offering her rally turning
for home. It was a winning-type move that left her clear of the remaining 18
challengers at the eighth pole; she just couldn’t go with Big Brown. Eight
Belles will always be remembered for her effort.
DENIS OF CORK (Harlan’s Holiday) lagged far behind in another zip code during
the early stages of the Derby. He was four lengths behind the 19th-place horse
after the opening quarter-mile and didn’t begin to pick up rivals until passing
the three-quarters mark. The David Carroll trainee was the only horse making up
serious ground in the stretch, rolling late to finish a clear but
non-threatening third. He was probably a little light on fitness entering the
Derby (his connections elected to hardly race him over the last three months),
and Denis of Cork is eligible to keep improving off his encouraging late run.
TALE OF EKATI (Tale of the Cat) and RECAPTURETHEGLORY (Cherokee Run), fourth
and fifth, respectively, also deserve some kudos. Both were in a position to
challenge for a top three finish before flattening out in the final furlong.
None of the synthetic horses finished in the top five, and I’ll have
difficulty understanding why any trainer will want to prep for the 2009 Derby
over a synthetic track. PYRO (Pulpit) seemingly fell to pieces this spring after
contesting the Blue Grass S. (G1) over Polytrack, and the Blue Grass winner, MONBA
(Maria’s Mon), finished last in the Derby. Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner COLONEL
JOHN (Tiznow) appeared to be training well at Churchill for his dirt debut, but
he didn’t run his best race, checking in 2 1/2 lengths back of Recapturetheglory
in sixth. The synthetic horses were nowhere to be found when the serious running
began.
The Derby hero is named for UPS, and I hope Big Brown keeps delivering!