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KENTUCKY DERBY REPORT MAY 5, 2008 by James Scully It was an afternoon of brilliance and sadness. BIG BROWN (Boundary) sparkled with a convincing victory in the 134th Kentucky Derby (G1), dominating as trainer Richard Dutrow all but promised he would, but the aftermath was marred by the breakdown of the gallant EIGHT BELLES (Unbridled's Song). The gray filly performed so admirably, finishing a clear second with an effort that probably would've won many previous runnings of the Derby, and she gave her life in the pursuit of glory. Big Brown put on an awesome display, and speculation immediately turned to the possibility of a Triple Crown winner when he hit the wire. He looked that special. In only his fourth career start, the flashy bay was knocked on several fronts entering the 1 1/4-mile classic, but Big Brown made all the historical precedents and pedigree analysis irrelevant. Breaking from post 20, he entered the first turn widest of all, rating a couple of lengths off the pace under a supremely confident Kent Desormeaux, who removed any potential for trouble by remaining well off the fence until the stretch drive. While Desormeaux never displayed an anxious moment, Big Brown's supporters were likely worried when he was sixth, nearly five lengths off the pace, entering the far turn. The 2-1 favorite was in uncharted waters, but the Kentucky-bred colt eliminated any suspense with an explosive turn of foot, quickly collaring the leaders and blowing into the stretch drive with an expanding advantage. Big Brown earned a commendable 108 BRIS Speed rating for the 4 3/4-length decision, and he's got the opportunity to provide a tremendous boost for Thoroughbred racing over the next five weeks. Nobody will forget the unfortunate circumstances that befell Barbaro and Eight Belles, but the sport needs a shining hero. Thirty years have passed since Affirmed captivated the nation, with many heart-wrenching setbacks in the interim, and Big Brown has the talent to fill the void. If the same horse shows up at Pimlico and Belmont Park, they won't beat him. The biggest concern over the next five weeks is his feet. After being limited to only one juvenile start due to quarter-crack issues, his sophomore debut was delayed until March. He's been sound ever since, and we can only hope he'll stay that way. Eight Belles, who was trained to the minute by the excellent horseman Larry Jones, raced close to the pace from the outset, battling between rivals while a couple of lengths back down the backstretch, before offering her rally turning for home. It was a winning-type move that left her clear of the remaining 18 challengers at the eighth pole; she just couldn't go with Big Brown. Eight Belles will always be remembered for her effort. DENIS OF CORK (Harlan's Holiday) lagged far behind in another zip code during the early stages of the Derby. He was four lengths behind the 19th-place horse after the opening quarter-mile and didn't begin to pick up rivals until passing the three-quarters mark. The David Carroll trainee was the only horse making up serious ground in the stretch, rolling late to finish a clear but non-threatening third. He was probably a little light on fitness entering the Derby (his connections elected to hardly race him over the last three months), and Denis of Cork is eligible to keep improving off his encouraging late run. TALE OF EKATI (Tale of the Cat) and RECAPTURETHEGLORY (Cherokee Run), fourth and fifth, respectively, also deserve some kudos. Both were in a position to challenge for a top three finish before flattening out in the final furlong. None of the synthetic horses finished in the top five, and I'll have difficulty understanding why any trainer will want to prep for the 2009 Derby over a synthetic track. PYRO (Pulpit) seemingly fell to pieces this spring after contesting the Blue Grass S. (G1) over Polytrack, and the Blue Grass winner, MONBA (Maria's Mon), finished last in the Derby. Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner COLONEL JOHN (Tiznow) appeared to be training well at Churchill for his dirt debut, but he didn't run his best race, checking in 2 1/2 lengths back of Recapturetheglory in sixth. The synthetic horses were nowhere to be found when the serious running began. The Derby hero is named for UPS, and I hope Big Brown keeps delivering!
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