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Big Brown likely only Derby runner to go on to Preakness The eyes of the racing word will shift to Pimlico Race Course as the Triple Crown players set their sights on Baltimore for the 133rd running of the Preakness S. (G1) on May 17. One morning after BIG BROWN (Boundary) dominated his 19 rivals in the Kentucky Derby (G1) by 4 3/4 lengths, trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. informed Maryland Jockey Club officials that the bay colt is Baltimore-bound for the middle jewel. Owned by IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr., Big Brown had an easy morning at Barn 22 following his victory in the Run for the Roses. Dutrow said Big Brown would remain at Churchill Downs for a few days before he ships to Pimlico. "I like our chances because we have the best horse," said Dutrow, who was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, and attended Atholton High School in Howard County, Maryland. "I am going to see a bunch of friends but I am going there with a horse that can win the race." However, despite the apparent ease of Big Brown's romp over the ill-fated filly Eight Belles (Unbridled's Song) and 18 other rivals, Dutrow continued to express concerns over the short two-week gap between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. "It's very difficult; I'm kind of worried about it," Dutrow said. "When the horse goes into the race the right way, good timing and all, I don't see anyone beating him. But now it's not happening. You've got to come right back off that huge, huge race. I know it looks like he's the best horse, but Pimlico's a different game. It's just two weeks and the turns are so tight -- that might be to our advantage. But I don't like two weeks, but it doesn't matter. He came out of the race good and we're going to hope, and we're going to go and see." Big Brown overcame considerable historical obstacles to win the 134th Kentucky Derby. He became the first horse since the filly Regret in 1915 to win the race off only three career starts, and he became just the second horse in the history of the race to win after breaking from post position 20. As he continues his bid for the Triple Crown in the 1 3/16-mile Preakness, Big Brown and Dutrow will be attempting to accomplish something only 11 other three-year-olds have accomplished -- and be the first to complete the three-race sweep in three decades. Affirmed was the most recent Triple Crown winner when he completed the sweep in 1978. Dutrow said he always walks his horses three days after a race before they return to the track for a jog. He anticipates a light training schedule for Big Brown leading up to the Preakness. "I don't believe that I'll breeze the horse between races," he said. "I might do a little blowout at Pimlico a day or two, or even the day he's in. I'll just see. The weather's got a lot to do with it and he's got a lot to do with it. We'll just glide along until it's time we figure we have to do something." With his Kentucky Derby victory, Big Brown has amassed $2,114,500 in earnings. His four career races have been won by a collective margin of 33 3/4 lengths, and he will be looking to become the seventh Derby winner to reach the finish line first at historic Old Hilltop from the past 12 runnings. Big Brown's Kentucky Derby victory was so emphatic that none of his Derby rivals are likely to travel to Pimlico for another shot at the colt. The only Derby finisher that might come back to challenge the winner is RECAPTURETHEGLORY (Cherokee Run), who finished fifth despite trouble in the paddock. "He left a little feed in the tub and he is still keyed up from the race," trainer and co-owner Louie Roussel III said. "I will see how he is tomorrow." Recapturetheglory made his stakes debut in the April 5 Illinois Derby (G2), capturing that 1 1/8-mile test by four front-running lengths to earn his spot in the Derby starting gate. Both Roussel and the colt's other owner, Ronnie Lamarque, are inclined to give their bay charge some time off. "My vote would be to give him 30 days off," Lamarque said. "He has had two tough races and he had to run in the first one to get the earnings to run here. It is really tough. But I am a partner and I get a vote." So, the question was put to the other man with a vote: Roussel. "My vote would be to say what a wonderful owner I have in Ronnie Lamarque and he understands the game," Roussel said. "It has been two tough races and most owners would want to continue on with the Triple Crown to the Preakness and Belmont. "I'm going to give him (Recapturetheglory) a little bit more time. I am going back to the hotel and my wife and I are going to pack up the car and tomorrow either drive to New Orleans and take two weeks off with her, or I will be going to Baltimore. So, I guess the answer is you will have to see me in the morning. "Basically I would have to say I am leaning toward going along with Ronnie and giving this horse 30 to 45 days off … but, I reserve the right to change my mind. It would be a big advantage if we didn't have to come out of the 18 hole. If we get the four, or two or have a rail trip in Baltimore, it would be a big advantage for us." Eight new shooters are possible for the Preakness: BEHINDATTHEBAR (Forest Wildcat), EL GATO MALO (El Corredor), GIANT MOON (Giant's Causeway), HARLEM ROCKER (Macho Uno), KENTUCKY BEAR (Mr. Greeley), STEVIL (Maria's Mon), TRES BORRACHOS (Ecton Park) and YANKEE BRAVO (Yankee Gentleman). The Preakness is limited to 14 starters. Thirteen of the last 16 years have produced double-digit starters.
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