NEWS
Dutrow pleased with Big Brown’s breeze
Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2008 9:36 AM
BIG BROWN
Adam Coglianese/NYRA photo
Dual classic winner Big Brown breezed on Wednesday for the first time since being pulled up by jockey Kent Desormeaux in the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 7.
Under exercise rider Michelle Nevin, the Boundary colt breezed five furlongs in 1:06.71 at Aqueduct. The breeze was the slowest of seven at that distance.
“It was no big deal, a nice, easy breeze,” trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. said. “It was his first breeze back. I told Michelle to not go too fast. I’d rather it be too slow than too fast. He looks like he’s good.”
Aqueduct clockers timed Big Brown in splits of :14.20, :27.60, and :53.60. The colt galloped out six furlongs in 1:21.20.
IEAH Stables’ and Paul Pompa Jr.’s Big Brown was unbeaten in five career starts entering the Belmont, including a 4 3/4-length victory in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) on May 3 at Churchill Downs. The three-year-old colt also posted a 5 1/4-length win in the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course.
Big Brown missed training time leading up to the Belmont because of a quarter crack that Dutrow said is healed.
“His feet are in great shape,” Dutrow said. “He was shod in front Monday and behind [Tuesday] and everything looked good. That quarter crack is long gone.”
Big Brown is being pointed toward the $1-million Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) on August 3 at Monmouth Park. The $1-million Travers Stakes Presented by Shadwell Farm (G1) on August 23 at Saratoga Race Course also is a possibility along with the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on October 25 at Santa Anita Park.
