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).
Big Brown
Big Brown
On this sunny and warm morning, a huge crowd was on hand to watch BIG BROWN (Boundary) blow out three furlongs in preparation for the Kentucky Derby (G1). He looked spectacular entering the track, acting cool and collected as he walked down the backside, and the exercise rider had a hard time holding him as they broke into a gallop.
The last timed work for a horse entered in Kentucky Derby 134 was turned in Thursday by morning-line favorite Big Brown, who covered three furlongs in :35.40. The 35.40 was a bit faster than the :36 to :37 range Dutrow talked about Wednesday, but he said the time wasn’t a problem.
IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr.’s undefeated Big Brown was installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite Wednesday afternoon over 19 rivals for Saturday’s 134th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (GI) at Churchill Downs.
The Smooth Air team has been riding various waves of emotion this week, as can be expected when participating in the Kentucky Derby for the first time. Stutts, 70, and his wife Dianne attended the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners’ and Breeders Derby Traine
Sunshine made the cold bearable on a beautiful morning at the Downs, and many of the Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders visited the track in preparation for the biggest day of their lives.
Tuesday morning notes: