Contenders
Big Brown
Trainer: Rick Dutrow
Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
Owner: IEAH Stable and Paul Pompa
Breeder: Monticule
After winning his debut on the Saratoga grass by 11 1/4 lengths, Big Brown attracted the attention of many including the IEAH team. Foot troubles kept Big Brown on the sidelines until March. But, he proved worth the wait as he cruised to a 12 3/4 length victory in "off-the-turf" allowance at Gulfstream Park March 5. That impressive victory got him an entry into the Florida Derby (gr. I), and he responded with a stunning victory after breaking from post 12. Trainer Richard Dutrow, Jr. brought his undefeated colt to Churchill Downs on April 28 after getting in a couple of works in Florida. To this point, he has marched through the Derby and Preakness with little resistance, and only the 12 furlongs of the Belmont (gr. I) stands between him and a place in racing history.
Auction History
| Year | Sale | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale | $60,000 |
| 2007 | Keeneland April Two-Year Olds in Training | $190,000 |
Racing History
| Date | Race Name | Distance | Finish | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/17/08 | Preakness (gr. I) | 9.5 f | 1 | $600,000 |
| 05/03/08 | Kentucky Derby (gr. I) | 10f | 1 | $1,451,800 |
| 03/29/08 | Florida Derby (gr. I) | 9f | 1 | $600,000 |
| 03/05/08 | Allowance | 8f | 1 | $24,900 |
| 09/03/07 | MSW | 8.5f | 1 | $37,800 |
| Record: 5 Starts, 5-0-0 | Total Earnings: $2,714,500 | ||||
| Race Records provided by equineline.com | ||||
By Steve Haskin
By winning the Kentucky Derby by 4 3/4 lengths, and remaining undefeated in a whirlwind career that has seen him win all four of his starts by an average margin of more than eight lengths, Big Brown now looks like an unstoppable force as he prepares to head on to Baltimore for the May 17 Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Whether that equates to winning the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) in only his fourth career start is another matter.
Big Brown, originally trained by Pat Reynolds, was so impressive in his career debut that although it was on the grass, offers came pouring in for the colt immediately after the race. Owner Paul Pompa Jr. ultimately sold majority interest to IEAH Stables, who turned the horse over to Rick Dutrow. Right off the bat, Dutrow had to deal with a quarter crack suffered while preparing for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, and then another after arriving at Palm Meadows training center.
Dutrow was reluctant to run Big Brown in March with so little training, but the horse worked so well over the Oklahoma training track at Saratoga, the trainer felt he had to get a race in him. Had the race stayed on the turf, this space likely would be devoted to a different horse. But when it was switched to the dirt, it turned the Derby trail upside down. A star was born that day.
By Avalyn Hunter
Question: How does a colt go from being an unraced maiden to being the probable favorite for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) in just three starts? Answer: In Big Brown's case, by winning all three races, including a romp in the Florida Derby (gr. I).
Question: Where does a colt by a sprinter and sire of sprinters get the stamina to win laughing at nine furlongs? Answer: There's a little more here than meets the eye. For starters, while it is true that Big Brown's sire, Boundary, never won beyond sprint distances, it is also true that he was never tried farther. A son of Danzig, Boundary had offset knees that limited his durability. He won six of eight starts, including the grade III A Phenomenon and Roseben Handicaps, and might perhaps have stayed farther had he been better able to withstand training.
Big Brown is the second foal of his dam, Mien, a winner at 8.5 furlongs. She is by Nureyev out of Miasma, a winner at nine furlongs. Miasma, in turn, is by Lear Fan, whose progeny included some good stayers, out of Syrian Circle, a Damascus half-sister to 1997 champion older female Hidden Lake.
Boundary and Mien are closely related, for Boundary is by a son of Northern Dancer out of a mare bred on a Damascus/Round Table cross, while Mien is by a son of Northern Dancer out of the daughter of a mare bred on a Damascus/Round Table cross. Neither Damascus nor Round Table require much introduction as stayers or sources of stamina, and this inbreeding in Big Brown's pedigree may be the key to his staying ability.
Big Brown still has several tests to face. He has a history of quarter cracks; further, he is still inexperienced, and there is no telling how he will respond to the barely-controlled chaos that often marks both the lead-up to the Derby and the running of the race itself. And he must still run a furlong farther than he has ever been asked to go. But the potential for stardom is clearly there.
By Jason Shandler
The date was Sept. 16, 2007. Paul Pompa Jr. was standing trackside at Belmont Park, watching his talented 2-year-old, Big Brown, turn in a work on the turf. Less than two weeks before, the Boundary colt had demolished a field of maidens by 11 1/4 lengths on the grass at Saratoga.
Pompa remembers the day vividly, as it was the first time he realized just how special Big Brown really was.
"It was me, my cousin Jerry, my trainer Patrick Reynolds, and Christophe Clement, who just happened to be standing there waiting for one of his horses to work," Pompa recalled. "We watched him go :44.3 around the dogs. We all looked at each other in amazement. Nobody could believe it, but the two people who had stopwatches both had the same time.
"After seeing that, I really believed that this horse was going to win the Breeders' Cup (Juvenile) Turf."
Only a few days later, Pompa sold a 75% interest in Big Brown to IEAH Stables. How could he not? Millions had been thrown his way, and as he put it, "You have to sell in this business sometimes if you want to stay in it. I had mind-boggling offers within hours of his maiden win. This worked out nicely because I got to keep a piece of him."
The meteoric rise of Big Brown is well known by now-a pair of quarter crack injuries taking him out of action for six months, an eye-popping allowance victory at Gulfstream Park March 5 propelling him to almost instant Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) contender, and his five-length Florida Derby (gr. I) romp solidifying him as the horse to beat come the first Saturday in May.
For Pompa, it has been a whirlwind ride over the past five weeks, but he has taken all of it in stride.
"The excitement has changed my life a little bit, and the ability to be able to go to the Kentucky Derby with a great horse, a bunch of people from IEAH that I respect, and a Class A trainer (Rick Dutrow) is certainly a very nice thing to have happen," he said. "But I have had different levels of success in this sport and in my personal life, so this isn't going to change me."
More on BloodHorse.com:
Big Brown Workout Gets a Thumbs-Up
Big Brown brought smiles to the faces of his connections June 3 after a crucial five-furlong breeze in 1:00 on Belmont Park's main track shortly before 9 a.m. EDT.
Big Brown, Iavarone March On
That has been a good deal of discussion about the future of Big Brown following the Triple Crown. But to IEAH Stables co-president Michael Iavarone, there is nothing to discuss. Big Brown will continue to race after the Belmont Stakes (gr. I).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Big Brown in Surprise Tuesday Jog
Big Brown returned to the track May 27 on a rainy Tuesday morning at Belmont Park, the first time the Triple Crown contender has exercised since sustaining a quarter crack on the inside of his left front foot five days ago.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
Stud Plans for Big Brown Due Thursday
Big Brown will not race past his 3-year-old year as stud plans for the Derby winner are set to be announced May 15, according to IEAH Stables' Michael Iavarone.
Big Brown Draws Post Position 7
Undefeated Big Brown will break from post position 7 as the 1-2 favorite in Saturday's Preakness Stakes (gr. I) as the colt will attempt to duplicate his impressive victory in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
Big Brown and Others Ready for Preakness
IEAH Stable and Paul Pompa Jr.'s Big Brown, a dominant winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), had another easy morning May 12 at Churchill Downs as his bid for the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), the second jewel of racing's Triple Crown, draws closer.
UPS Becomes Big Brown Marketing Partner
A recent agreement with IEAH Stables and jockey Kent Desormeaux has UPS serving as the exclusive marketing partner for Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Big Brown, the delivery company announced in a May 9 press release.
Daily Derby Notes: May 5
Big Brown to return to track Wed. morning; Stevil works for Preakness
The Morning After: Big Brown Scare Off
Early indications are that none of the horses that finished behind Big Brown in his impressive 4 3/4-length victory in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) will move on to the May 17 Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Big Brown Delivers; Filly Breaks Down
United Parcel Service has never made a delivery like Big Brown delivered May 3 at Churchill Downs, romping home by nearly five lengths to remain unbeaten in four starts with a scintillating win in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
Big Brown Gets Easy Work at Churchill
Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. sent Big Brown for an easy work over the Churchill Downs surface May 1, and the imposing colt looked every bit the Derby favorite as he took to the track under regular exercise rider Michelle Nevin. Big Brown, installed as the 3-1 morning line choice following the April 30 post position draw, went three-eighths in :35 2/5.
Favorite to Break from Post Position 20
The connections of 3-1 morning-line favorite Big Brown selected the outside 20 post position for the undefeated colt in Saturday's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) during the April 30 post position draw held in downtown Louisville.
Big Brown: 'A Dream Come True'
Big Brown has caused quite a stir on the backside in the days before the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), so much so that trainer Richard Dutrow decided the easiest way to handle the media was to host a daily question and answer session.
Brown In Town
Florida Derby (gr. I) winner Big Brown shipped into Churchill Downs April 28, exhibiting the same ease with which he earned his latest five-length victory.
Big Brown Works for Kentucky Derby
Florida Derby (gr. I) winner Big Brown, likely favorite for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), breezed five furlongs in 1:00 3/5 at Palm Meadows Friday with regular exercise rider Michelle Nevin aboard.
Big Brown Paces Derby Pool 3 at Midpoint
IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr.'s Big Brown, the unbeaten winner of the Florida Derby (gr. I), remained the top choice of Kentucky Derby fans as the third and final pool of Churchill Downs' 2008 Kentucky Derby Future Wager reached its midway point April 4.
Ky. Derby Trail: Hot Brown on Derby Menu
By now, just about every superlative has been used to describe Big Brown's performance in the Florida Derby (gr. I). How many times do you think the word "freak" has been uttered since Saturday? Well, there is no doubt that the colt has accomplished freakish things in his brief career, but so did Curlin, and he couldn't win the Derby off three career starts.
Big Brown Fine, Smooth Air to KY Derby
Despite suffering from a case of laryngitis and unable to speak much, trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. said that Florida Derby (gr. I) runaway winner Big Brown came out of the March 29 event in good shape.
Big Brown Huge in Florida Derby Rout
IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr.'s highly-touted Big Brown proved that all the hype was justified, as he led from start to finish in the $1-million Florida Derby, crushing 11 rivals to win by five lengths March 29 at Gulfstream Park while making just his third career start.
Twelve Drawn For Intriguing Fla. Derby
A full field of 12 was drawn for the March 29 Florida Derby (gr. I), which on paper has turned out to be the most intriguing prep race for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) this year.
Unknowns Big Brown, Tomcito Set to Clash
Normally a grade I race like the Florida Derby would be pretty clear-cut, filled mostly with horses who have proven themselves. Not so this year; not with unknowns such as Big Brown and Tomcito, two of the most intriguing Triple Crown hopefuls seen in quite a while.
Elysium Fields, Big Brown Turn in Works
Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II) runner-up Elysium Fields and impressive allowance winner Big Brown turned in works this week in preparation for the $1 million Florida Derby (gr. I) March 29.
Ky. Derby Trail: Cut Off at the Pass
So, the undefeated 2-year-old champion, sent off at 1-20 in the Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III), had a fever the week before the race and the public was unaware of it. There is nothing that can be said here that won't be said in the weeks to come by those who bet War Pass, including the bridge jumpers, and those who had invested in him emotionally.
Big Brown Bursts Onto Derby Scene
With a big, lumbering move, IEAH Stable and Paul Pompa's 3-year-old Big Brown powered his way onto the stage as a Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) prospect and probable starter in the $1 million Florida Derby (gr. I) after winning an "off-the-turf" allowance race March 5 at Gulfstream Park.
| Big Brown | Boundary | Danzig |
| Edge | ||
| Mien | Nureyev | |
| Miasma |
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