I don't care how weak the field was. Big Brown has it all: push-button speed, endurance, a jockey who thinks, brilliant acceleration, and a beautiful, RELAXED stride.
Yeah, I remember this. He looked like Secretariat pulling away in the stretch. That's the feel I got. Then after the Belmont loss, his jockey said, when I told him to run, "I had no horse." Partly, because Big Brown wanted to get in front early in the Belmont, and the darn jockey smothered his attempts. So he got stubborn. Secretariat's jockey did nothing when Secretariat decided to go on his own from last to first on the first TURN of the Preakness. Think of that horse sense.
The Secretariat win was a defining moment in American history. With Vietnam and Watergate looming over us, it was a day we can smile and cheer for something that is American. Thanks for bringing that moment back into my thoughts.
"Big Brown" is a fine horse, a winner. If you want to see the best then look for a clip of Secretariat winning the Belmont Stakes in 1973. It was the most dominating performance in horse racing history. In fact it was one of the greatest sporting events EVER!
I don't know a lot about horse racing but as a "young poster" I think it'd be damned exciting to see a Triple Crown winner in my lifetime--controversy about his overall greatness or not. I grew up listening to my dad talk about Secretariat's greatness and the '73 Belmont and he always described it with such exhilaration. Big Brown may not be a Secretariat incarnate but he has a shot and I'm sure it'd be exhilarating for us all to see him complete the crown.
did you see the view from the blimp when Big Brown came around the final turn? if you haven't try to because He absolutely blew every one else off the track on the front strech it showed just how much better this horse is than everyone else. Triple crown winner for sure.
This is a good horse for sure, and I have been a fan even before the Florida Derby. I would say his chances are the best in recent years for the crown. I would not call him the next Secretariat yet, and I think there have been several greats since him..Point Given and Afleet Alex come to mind...and both of them completly dominated in their belmont wins. I am rooting for BB, and I hope that he can be the superhorse that the sport needs.
We haven't seen that kind of domination for a while. My vested interest in Big Brown comes from his great granddad X2 Northern Dancer. Northern Dancer made his explosive move in the '64 Derby in the same spot as Big Brown. Nijinsky, Arazi, Dubai Millennium, Makybe Diva all showed the same explosive accelleration - breathtaking. I spent the past 2 years researching the legacy of my childhood hero - wanted a break - no chance - here is Chapter 41. fabusys video "The Dancer"
i agree--i'd really love to see an outstanding physical performance--and an awesome time--i think it would silence some of the murmurings about a mediocre year and therefore he just looks good as a result.for the record i think he is awesome and could be one of the great ones.
Best horse I've seen in my lifetime. Had 1 slip up at the Belmont due to a kick/faulty shoe, otherwise he was undefeated. Just had another gear compared to everyone else. Speed, stamina, explosiveness. Horse had it all. Unfortunately, we can only say what could have been...
I kinda had a problem with adding 13 to the Beyer figure to get the timeform number. I have read that Big Brown's Timeform number (after the KY Derby) was 132 the second highest for a 3 yr old (some aussie horse is 135). To put this in comparision Curlin this year recieved a timeform of 131. This would be a very interesting race to see. If BB and Curlin don't meet at the BC then how about they do a match race at Gulfstream park in FL sometime in Nov or Dec.
Thanks very much for posting this, awesome race! Just if you're going to post the Belmont, please don't put the name of the winner in the Subject Line/title. I couldn't watch the race on TV and I prefer not to know who wins before the race starts. Ok? Thanks.
yes, I agree that Casino Drive will be the toughest competition. But that doesn't mean he will have much of a chance. Kent Desormeaux says BB is the greatest horse he's EVER ridden. Yes, he also rode Casino Drive in last start, and was also the jockey of Real Quiet, who lost the triple crown by a nose. Give BB the extra distance, and it will just allow him to win by a larger margin.
This win of Big Brown was impressive, I don't care what he did in Belmont. That "Secretariat-esque" way he pulled away from the pack (and from the outside no less!) was just amazing, and I was screaming my head off. On Belmont day, he had an off day; happens to all athletes, like pitchers who get shelled and quarterbacks who throw three interceptions in a game and no touchdowns. Given another day, Big Brown would have creamed that pack at Belmont. He's a great horse.
video gives me the chills. Poor trainers kept this horse from being legendary. BB even had a gear that nobody ever saw because he never needed to be pushed to it. Take a look at his race in the Haskel-g1 (race right after the belmost). It's a true demonstration of this horses speed, power, and stamina. Ahhh what could have been...
Lol your so right bro I was at the Preakness to this day haven’t seen a horse like that one was on a different level physically. Ashamed he was hurt for Belmont
I stated before, best since big red. I'd love Big Brown prove his mettle and see just how close he can come to Secretariat's 2:24 at Belmont. Not likely....but what a horse. (PS for all young posters here-- Secretariat looms mythical for us oldies. The '73 Belmont was the greatest race ever run, and for me the greatest physical feat ever in sport (humans included. It's here on YT, so check it out. Responses welcome.))
good point agspr. Kent had to keep pulling BB in during the Preakness, and only allowed him to cut loose in the final turn (did you see the aerial shot when he made his move?...wow). Not that we'll see another Secreatariat '73 performance (we probably NEVER will). But, if BB was set free, it makes you wonder what he could REALLY do. I would like to see Casino get eye to eye and see what happens. However, I think BB will say "see you later" if that happens.
hoose, although a very sad and unfortunate event, Eight Belles'spontaneous bilateral fracutes was simply a freak accident. The race was complete and the beautiful philly had slowed to a trot. A better premise for your argument that these horses are mistreated might be that many less-than-stellar thoroughbreds are discarded after only a few races and sent to slaughter. That, not a 1 in 1,000 freak accident, would better support your argument. Take the crown, Big Brown!!
After bb wins the triple crown, he can be mentioned with the other greats, the only thing that he has knocking him is the fact that the 3 year olds this year is weak crop. Just think if 8 bells would not have gotten hurt and big brown would not have entered, she would be in contention to win the triple crown. She was 5 engths in front of the 3rd place finisher.. But big brown runs so efficiently, would have been interested if he would have been in the class of 07 with curlin and street sense.
I can't imagine how he could lose the Belmont. The only thing that concerns me is that the owners will retire him at the end of the year instead of letting him come back as a four year old. Perhaps racing associations should offer $20 million for him to run in 2009.
Bad break about BB's quarter crack. Hopefully it wont prevent him from being in top form for the Belmont. So far, it hasn't been deemed too serious, but you never know.
First of all you guys who are not vets do not work with horses please I appreciate your concern. NO trainer, owner or any steward worth their salt and value their reputations would put a horse in any race, horse show ect if it endangered him. BIG BROWN is racing because he is fit to do so. Dennis of Cork is in this race. I predict he will place. As for Casino Drive is impressive but Big Brown has the breeding and his sheer size. GO BIG BROWN Your ggsire Northern Dancer and Canada are watching.
The only way you're going to find out if BB is a great one is if he is pushed. He hasn't been so far. I hope Casino Drive is in peak condition and throws everything he's got at the big boy. You might get a great running time out of BB if Desormeaux asks him to lay it all out there in the Belmont stretch. This is what I'm hoping for.
His last great moment before flopping in the Belmont. He soured people on expecting another triple-crown-winning horse, along with the heart-crushing, staggering Belmont-flops by Smarty Jones, California Crome, Charismatic, War Emblem.
Before Pharoah and Justify won the triple crown, Big Brown was the best horse id ever seen on tv. Smarty Jones was great too but if the crack had not appeared on his hoof, he would have won the Belmont and I don't think anyone can convince me otherwise.
I do hope that Big Brown wins the triple crown. He has to if this sport has any chance of survival. What with the losses of Eight Belles & Barbaro and the questionable breeding tactics of so many American owners, anything less than a win at Belmont for BB is bad for the sport's future.
Big Brown's story reminds me of what happened to Spectacular Bid in 1979. "The Bid" was clearly the best horse that year, but he lost the Belmont because his jockey and trainer were both IDIOTS. His acceleration coming around the final turn in the Preakness was incredible! Big Brown is, without a doubt, the BEST Triple Crown racehorse of the 21st century. His pedigree reads like a "Who's Who" in horseracing. Sadly, his bad hoof did him in.
There's going to be stiff competition for him from a fresh horse from Japan called Casino Ride, and he's the speed beyer's favorite to win the Belmont over Big Brown.
Either BB is an exceptional horse or the current crop of US colts is very weak. Are there any European/Japanese horses coming over for the Belmont? That would be interesting.
Dont bet on it, BB looked liked he just finished a breeze after the Preakness not a bullit work out. KD never demanded anything either race he's "required to carry" a whip doesnt mean he needed it. KD has ridden both(CD) and chose BB, thats an obvious clue.Height + S angle = extension and that + EH,X factor = 02 flow is why BB is winning and is going to,not withstanding train wrecks win the TC. BB hasnt even seen the envelope much less pushed it.
Look things happen in horse racing. He drew the inside gate somewhat of an unfamiliar position. Was boxed early and bawked. Then it looked like the heat got to him as he had no energy after going 1 Mile. He got beat and I don't care what his trainer said or had said in the past.
Big Brown didn't have a bad day. His horseshoe came off a little. Another horse stepped on it when Big Brown got boxed in. He couldn't run as well with a dislodged horseshoe..... and even with that issue, Big Brown kept up with the leaders but just couldn't go full throttle because of the shoe.
i am very excited about this horse and the CHANCE of a triple crown--that said--i want him to EARN it-either by being challenged by another horse or a stellar athletic feat at lease close to secretariat's with an awesome time.--if its a cake walk it will always be compared less then other triple crown winners once the intial excitement dies down.
Kotashaan was flying around the last turn, in his typical fasion and kent stood up on him at the 16th pole. Kotashaan still came in 2nd. Look up 1993 Japan cup on you tube and you can watch it. kent shouldn't even be allowed to shovel horse crap, let along ride champions!
This was little more than a vigorous workout for him. Since, barring anything unforeseen, he should take the Belmont [only question is by how much, and how fast], the big question will be how will he fare against older horses? There doesn't seem to be much of a point in running him against three year olds anymore, and he wont have such an opportunity next year.
It already been said he will not race at 4. He was just sold to one largest Breeders in Kentucky the owners reportly got over 50 million. Lets just hope they let Big Brown take on Curlin in the Breeders Cup Classic!
Everybody is hyping up the match up between Big Brown and Casino Drive in the Belmont like they are Seabiscuit and War Admiral or something haha. I think that Casino Drive will be a no-factor at the belmont and Big brown will win going away again by at least 5.
He's certainly not shown himself to be in Secretariat's league, though he might be great horse in his own right. We'll see. If he dominates the Belmont AND wins the Breeders' Cup...
there wa a horse a couple years back who dominated the derby and preakness and lost the belmont, remember Smarty Jones? Belmot in the graveyard of triple crowns. I do not think there will even be a triple crown winner again.
Nobody can find any thing wrong with Big Brown 4 days after the Belmont. Thats because nothing was wrong. The thing that was wrong was the jerk that rode him. Kent rode another champion horse in the 1993 japan cup, Kotashaan. Winner of the breeders cup turf and 1993 horse of the year!
gbrlhppr you said at the END of the race he still wanted to go ,looked like he was playing,,though Secretariat's jockey in the Belmont also said ''I never pushed him or asked him for more both horses had another gear!!!
if you lokk close at the back field part of race BigBrown looked like he was just exercising not YET really fired up he had so much more another 2 ''gears''
speed figure is relative to the race..how the pace is set, so you can't base "greatness" on that alone, not to mention the fact that BB has basically been breezing in all of his races....we have not seen the real BB yet. Besides, how can you really cite breyer figures when BB basically shut off his engine with 1/8 mile to go in the preakness. Smarty was a good horse, but he left too much on the track at pimlico
Dont blame smarty for being retired because his owner's have no backbone, because he would have won the haskell and whatever other grade 1 brown won. 2004 was a better class of 3 year olds as well, He ran good in the derby slop, he had just a good preakness as brown and plus his belmont shows that smarty was better
he will be a heavy favorite so i would imagine you wouldnt win too much. The risk of loss versus reward is too much. $1000 to win just $200? Your better off saving your money for football season to begin.
Personally, I never thought Smarty Jones was an elite horse. This horse though, Big Brown, it just feels different, and I just think he's too big, too strong, and too fast for any other horse. I think he has a chance to do it.
And his other two grade one wins that you always bring up were unimpressive at best, He had to hold off a 20-1 in Coal Play at the Haskell and Proudinsky in the Monmouth Stakes, races that he should have won handily. And Brown was retired for an injury as well, so he is just as injury prone as Smarty, he only ran in 8 races, in fact one less than Smarty. Maybe you should read up on your Big Brown stats.
these horses are living in luxury when their not racing their having sex so many times and getting pampered. so all you people think this sport is cruel we treat those horses like kings. sometimes horses die so we end their misery quickly. this is the sport of kings and the horses are the kings.
nastylefthook1: no. kent desormeaux should not be banned. he pulled big brown up cuz he knew he wasnt going to win 1st or 2nd or even 3rd. so whats the point to keep running him, when something was wrong w/ him. and no big brown did not want to run, u could see that kent was asking him to, but he just wasnt. and also big brown is worth ALOT of money. they cant take any chances w/ him. so what. he lost a race cuz his jockey pulled him up. big deal.
+bnegs521 Of course.. If they went faster and he wasn't geared down, it's not hard to imagine he could ran 9-10 lengths faster than he did.. but in the very least, he would have came pretty close..
9 or 10 lengths faster. LOL You are either a clown or a drunk which is it? And do not delete or edit that post. I want my friends to have a good laugh at you tomorrow.
bnegs521 I'm neither.. But I know horse racing.. and clearly you don't.. so if you talk with a little respect, I might try and educate you and help raise your Racing IQ..? :)
Yeah right big brown beats Secretariet by 9 or 10 in the Preakness. LOLOLOLOL You are a clown without the make up. Big brown beat one of the most lackluster fields in the history of the race and you want to stick a woodie in everyone's face? You are nothing but a clown. Keep writing. You make me a laugh. BIG RED's move in the Preakness is one of the most imposing, breath taking moves in the history of the sport. I suggest you go watch it you expert in clown makeup. Educate yourself. Big Red also set the stakes record that day although he was mistimed by the drunks in the Maryland racing Commission. Maybe you were one of the stewards there at the time. Would not surprise me a bit.
hes good. but i think alot of things went right for him here. so between now and the belmount he needs to stay sound. he apparently had been having problems with his feet in the past...which is why he has run as much as some of the other horses. hes no secrateriat but hes got talent no doubt.
what about casino, whatever his name is??? anyone, hold out a chance here, hes got some run in him, and the way the last few hopefuls botched the belmont, you never know.
hoose, try thinking about that again, the racehorses arent treated poorly at all. all disciplines are dangerous look what happened to Teddy O'Connor - that was a freak accident just like Eight Belles's accident was. those horses are pampered so much so you ought to try and rethink what youre saying about the fact that they are poorly treated. i know and have some racehorses and the ones i know are anything but poorly treated.