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Desormeaux Pitches Belmont to Mets Fans

Kent Desormeaux showed Sunday night that his ability to get the most out of a racehorse is not the only talent he has retained from his youth. The jockey displayed good form when throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at New York's Shea Stadium prior to the June 1 night game between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Big Brown to Work Tuesday Without Patch

Trainer Rick Dutrow said Sunday afternoon that Big Brown will not be fitted with a patch on Monday as originally scheduled and will work on Tuesday without one.

Belmont Notes: June 1

Ready's Echo and Tale of Ekati are headed to the Belmont Stakes, while Tomcito and Spark Candle are out.

Belmont Notes: May 31

Equipped with a new set of stainless steel wires to hold together a small quarter crack in his left front hoof, Triple Crown hopeful Big Brown galloped May 31 as he continues to prepare for the 140th edition of the $1-million Belmont Stakes (gr. I) June 7.

Belmont Profile: Icabad Crane

Icabad Crane's connections had faith in him at least hitting the board in the May 17 Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico, and their intuitions were proved right when the son of Jump Start finished a game 5 3/4 lengths in third behind Big Brown.

Dutrow: 'We Don't Need to Worry'

As talented and physically imposing a presence as Triple Crown contender Big Brown is, trainer Rick Dutrow seems just as impressed by the colt's personality and intelligence.

Macho Again Works Toward Belmont

West Point Stables' Macho Again had a solid work this morning for trainer Dallas Stewart at Churchill Downs, going a half-mile in :48.20 over the fast main track under exercise rider Kenny Borque. The move ranked 11th of 55 at the distance.

Dutrow: 'It's a Foregone Conclusion'

In a national media teleconference conducted May 28, trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. continued his boastful and outspoken comments regarding potential Triple Crown winner Big Brown, saying among other things that winning the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) was a "foregone conclusion," the contenders "just can't run with Big Brown," and "there was no way in the world" that Japanese-owned Casino Drive could defeat his horse.

Ready's Echo to Start in Belmont

The field for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) could increase by one after trainer Todd Pletcher said it is "probably" that Let's Go Stable's Ready's Echo would be tossed into the mix of starters for the 1 1/2-mile race June 7 at Belmont Park.

Belmont Notes: Big Brown Right On Target

Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Big Brown remains "right on target" for the $1-million Belmont Stakes (gr. I), in which he will attempt to become racing's 12th Triple Crown winner and the first in 30 years.

Belmont Profile: Anak Nakal

Four years after Birdstone upset Smarty Jones' Triple Crown bid, trainer Nick Zito would love to play spoiler again, as he will send out Four Roses Thoroughbreds' Anal Nakal in the Belmont in hopes of rejecting Big Brown's bid for racing immortality.

Belmont Profile: Tomcito

The jury is still out on Tomcito, but following throat surgery to correct a breathing problem, he might get another shot at stardom - and Big Brown - in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I)

Prado to Ride Casino Drive in Belmont

Although top jockeys from across the country were clamoring for a chance to ride Casino Drive in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), one rider's prior experience at shooting down Triple Crown contenders made him the perfect man for the job. On May 28, it was announced that Edgar Prado would become the colt's pilot, adding more intrigue to the highly-anticipated June 7 event.

IEAH Partners Attend NYSE Opening

Officials of the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and International Equine Acquisitions Holdings (IEAH) Stables partners attend the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Wednesday, May 28, 2008.

Big Brown on Track Again; Tomcito Works

For the second day in a row since being treated for a slight quarter crack, Belmont Stakes (gr. I) favorite Big Brown was out on the track, galloping 1 1/8 miles at Belmont Park on Wednesday, May 28. The colt just jogged on Tuesday.

Casino Drive Works -- Or Does He?

Belmont Stakes (gr. I) contender Casino Drive went to the track for a scheduled work Wednesday, May 28, but in the end it was decided by the clockers that the time was too slow to be published as an official workout.

Big Brown's Hoof Shows Improvement

Ian McKinlay, the hoof-lameness specialist who has been treating Big Brown's quarter crack, said Monday morning the colt's left front foot has shown improvement.

Belmont Notes: May 26

As of May 26, New York Racing Association Stakes Coordination Andrew Byrnes expects the Belmont Stakes field to be: Big Brown, Anak Nakal, Casino Drive, Denis of Cork, Icabad Crane, Macho Again, Tale of Ekati, and Tomcito.

Smooth Air in Sharp Work for Ohio Derby

Mount Joy Stables' Smooth Air, runner-up to Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Big Brown in the Florida Derby (gr. I), completed his serious work for the May 31 Ohio Derby (gr. II) with a sharp seven-furlong work at Arlington Park May 25.

Big Brown Has 'Slight' Quarter Crack

Big Brown, who will be seeking the coveted Triple Crown in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), has a "slight" quarter crack on the inside of his left front foot, trainer Rick Dutrow said May 25.

Monmouth Offers Triple Crown Bonuses

The centerpiece of Monmouth's meeting each year is the $1 million Haskell Invitational Presented by Vonage (gr. I), which has a bonus scheme tied into the Triple Crown races.

Big Brown Owners Show Compassion

The connections of Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and Preakness Stakes (both gr. I) winner Big Brown announced a "special presentation" May 23 to the family of the Nassau County, N.Y. police officer critically injured when a drunken driver crashed into his patrol car.

Opposing Talent Often Key to Winning TC

Just our opinion, but all extrinsic factors aside for the time being, it doesn't seem fair to dismiss Big Brown's accomplishments, however brief they may be, by saying his competition is weak.

Similar Inbreeding, Jay Peg & Big Brown

PORTER ON PEDIGREES, by Alan Porter

Danzig within the third generation and inbreeding to an influential dam is a pedigree pattern shared by Triple Crown hopeful Big Brown and international group I winner Jay Peg, a son of Camden Park. Jay Peg has won eight of 13 starts as a freshman and sophomore, including group I victories in his native Singapore, South Africa, and in Dubai.

Denis of Cork, Macho Again Doing Well

Two Churchill Downs-based 3-year-olds that are being pointed toward a battle against Big Brown in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) were reported to be doing well with just over two weeks remaining before the June 7 "Test of the Champion."

Brass Hat to Run in Louisville 'Cap

On May 24, while reporters trace the every move of Triple Crown contender Big Brown, a hard-knocking 7-year-old gelding will make the 25th start of his career in the $150,000 Louisville Handicap (gr. IIIT) at Churchill Downs. And although the racing industry looks to a 3-year-old runner to attract nationwide fans, the reality is that Fred Bradley's Brass Hat is an equally intriguing horse to follow.

Dutrow Discusses Curlin, Prado's Ride

Big Brown began his early preparations for the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) by jogging once around Belmont Park's 1 1/2-mile main track shortly after 6 a.m. on May 21.

Haskin's Preakness Recap: Bye, Bye, Babe

Anyone expecting a "Brown Out" in the 133rd Preakness Stakes (gr. I) May 17 instead received a jolt of electricity from America's newest superstar, Big Brown, whose powerful surge rocked Pimlico Race Course and sent everyone leaving Old Hilltop with stars in their eyes.

TCA Receives Grant From UPS Foundation

The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS, has given a $10,000 grant to Thoroughbred Charities of America to honor Eight Belles, who suffered a fatal breakdown after her second place finish to Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).

Big Brown Arrives; Ran Down in Preakness

Big Brown arrived in style at Belmont Park May 19. With a police escort in front and a UPS truck behind, a Brook Ledge van delivered the winner of the first two legs of the Triple Crown to a loading ramp near Barn 2 at 2:25 p.m.

Finley: Macho Again to Try Belmont

West Point Thoroughbreds' Macho Again, winner of the Derby Trial and second to Big Brown in the Preakness (gr. I), will be pointed for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), according to West Point founder and president Terry Finley.

Preakness Handle Suffers Heavy Decline

After four straight years of handle topping $87 million, wagering on the Preakness program declined 15.8% in a year-over-year comparison with the 2007 card.

Inside Track: A Natural

She may have been Miss Preakness 2008, but Maggie Wolfendale spent more time on Pimlico's backstretch than she did around the grandstand in the days leading up to the Preakness Stakes (gr. I)

Big Brown Leaves Town

With his huge Preakness Stakes (gr. I) win in his rear-view mirror, Big Brown left Baltimore Monday morning right at 10 a.m. to head to New York and his date with destiny in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I).

Preakness Notes: May 18

Big Brown takes aim at Triple Crown, will ship to Belmont Park May 19.

NYRA Ready For Triple Crown Crowd

The New York Racing Association is prepared for the crowd that will on-hand to watch Big Brown attempt to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. It will be the first Triple Crown attempt since 2004 when Smarty Jones fell short.

Challengers Ready for Big Brown

With the chance for a Triple Crown on the line, the field for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) June 7 at Belmont Park is beginning to take shape. In addition to Crown hopeful Big Brown, six rivals are gearing up at their chance to stop him.

Whirlwind for Clay Pays Off

What an 18-hour stretch for Three Chimneys Farm owner Robert Clay.

Big Brown Crushes Preakness Rivals

In a performance that was more like a coronation than a Thoroughbred horse race, Big Brown crushed his 11 rivals in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico Race Course Saturday afternoon by 5 1/4 lengths

Big Brown to Stand at Three Chimneys

Big Brown will stand at stud following his racing career at Robert Clay's Three Chimneys Farm near Midway, Ky.

Big Brown to Three Chimneys

Big Brown will stand at stud following his racing career at Robert Clay's Three Chimneys Farm near Midway, Ky.

Big Brown Big Favorite

The early Preakness (gr. I) wagering is no surprise, with Big Brown an overwhelming favorite. The winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) is the heavy 1-9 choice to win the Preakness and have a shot at the Triple Crown three weeks later.

Big Brown Breezes Preakness Morning

Heavy Preakness (gr. I) favorite Big Brown worked two furlongs at Pimlico early this morning as he prepares to meet 11 opponents in the second jewel of racing's Triple Crown.

Louisville UPS Workers Support Big Brown

Louisville-based UPS employees are expected to deliver strong support for their namesake Big Brown at Churchill Downs May 17, as the historic racetrack hosts a "UPS Day at the Races" in conjunction with a simulcast of the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) from Pimlico Race Course.

Danzig Line Rebounding

PORTER ON PEDIGREES, by Alan Porter

Big Brown's victory in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and Hard Spun's second in the Derby last year are the latest indicators that the Danzig line is asserting some authority in America's premier dirt races. Want more proof? How about last year's older male champion Lawyer Ron (a son of Danzig's son Langfuhr)and the emerging sire Exchange Rate, who got two grade I winners in his first crop.

Haskin's Preakness Analysis: Vroom!

Who's afraid of the Big Bad Brown? Certainly not the connections of the 12 horses who were entered against him in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I). They definitely respect him, and many would be happy with a second or a third, but they're still in it to win. So, the question that now must be asked is: who can beat the baddest horse of them all?

Preakness Notes: May 16

Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. said May 16 that he is nearly as confident that the Boundary colt will win the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) as he was before his dominating win in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).

Big Brown's Feet Not So Bad

Big Brown, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), clearly owns some of the Thoroughbred industry's fastest feet. But many question their soundness, fueled by reports of layoffs, quarter cracks, and special shoes.

Anything Can Happen, Desormeaux Says

If you think because of the dominating performance in the May 3 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) that jockey Kent Desormeaux is taking anything for granted, think again.

Big Brown Stud Deal Will Have to Wait

Plans to announce a stallion deal for Preakness Stakes (gr. I) favorite Big Brown on May 15 fell through, but discussions will continue after the second leg of the Triple Crown is run May 17.