NEWS
Big Brown stud deal expected by Preakness
Posted: Friday, May 09, 2008 5:27 PM
MICHAEL IAVARONE
Photo by Z
by Jeff Lowe
IEAH Stables expects to have a deal for Big Brown’s breeding rights in place by the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 17, company co-president Michael Iavarone said.
“Things are moving along rapidly,” Iavarone said on May 9. “I’ve had several offers. There should be an announcement before the Preakness.”
IEAH and partner Paul Pompa Jr. have the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner insured for $50-million, Iavarone said. The premium is just under $5-million.
Big Brown was insured for $32.5-million when he won the Derby by 4 3/4 lengths on May 3 at Churchill Downs, remaining unbeaten in his fourth career start for trainer Rick Dutrow Jr.
He won so decisively despite racing wide around both turns, which helped him earn a minus-3/4 figure on the Ragozin Sheets, the best of any Derby winner since Ragozin Thoroughbred Data began compiling its speed figures.
The previous top figure was the negative-1/2 that Monarchos received for his Derby victory in 2001.
Big Brown’s Derby superiority was reflected in the figure disparity between him and Eight Belles, who received a 5 for her second-place finish prior to her tragic demise. Denis of Cork, the third-place finisher, registered a 7.
Jeff Lowe is staff writer of Thoroughbred Times
