Big Brown Headstrong
I returned to Churchill for the first time since Sunday on Thursday afternoon, and the air has changed.
Whereas Louisville was excited for the return of live racing last weekend, the focus has wholly shifted to the Kentucky Derby two days before the race.
Churchill had a great crowd on the front and backsides this morning to watch horses prepare, and of course all eyes were on Big Brown, who worked three furlongs in :35.40 shortly after the renovation break.
Dutrow was hoping for a move between 36 and 37 seconds, calling it “important” that Big Brown hit that mark. He didn’t.
I timed Big Brown going about :12.00 for the opening furlong, so he came home the final quarter-mile of his work in under :24. From the second he got on the track he wanted to run, and he didn’t want to stop. An outrider had to help the exercise rider pull up the likely Derby fave.
