GlenninOhio
07-03-2008, 04:50 AM
From Brisnet's James Scully's "Three Year Olds & Up Diary":
"Haskell Watch: Big Brown couldn't have been more impressive winning the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1), and the Kentucky-bred appeared to have his rivals over the barrel entering the 1 1/2-mile Belmont. He was the lone speed on paper in the nine-horse field and a front-running trip seemed assured given the rail post. Kent Desormeaux had other ideas and immediately yanked his mount's head back, in an attempt to rate and guide him to the outside, once the gates opened. He continued to fight the speedy colt to the first turn, and Big Brown eventually spit the bit in frustration. Just to make sure that he gave his final stamp to the ride, Desormeaux began to ease Big Brown down on the far turn, even though he was still in contention for a top four finish. Those who used Big Brown underneath in the exotics had to be thrilled.
With that fiasco behind them, Big Brown's connections will now point the bay colt to the Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park on August 3. It's difficult to imagine a strong group of rivals showing up to face him, so it will be a huge step in determining whether the sophomore continues toward the Breeders' Cup. He can't afford a loss."
"Haskell Watch: Big Brown couldn't have been more impressive winning the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1), and the Kentucky-bred appeared to have his rivals over the barrel entering the 1 1/2-mile Belmont. He was the lone speed on paper in the nine-horse field and a front-running trip seemed assured given the rail post. Kent Desormeaux had other ideas and immediately yanked his mount's head back, in an attempt to rate and guide him to the outside, once the gates opened. He continued to fight the speedy colt to the first turn, and Big Brown eventually spit the bit in frustration. Just to make sure that he gave his final stamp to the ride, Desormeaux began to ease Big Brown down on the far turn, even though he was still in contention for a top four finish. Those who used Big Brown underneath in the exotics had to be thrilled.
With that fiasco behind them, Big Brown's connections will now point the bay colt to the Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park on August 3. It's difficult to imagine a strong group of rivals showing up to face him, so it will be a huge step in determining whether the sophomore continues toward the Breeders' Cup. He can't afford a loss."