Big Brown is BACK and maybe better than before

[greenbriar]

NEW YORK (AP)—A jog around the racetrack was all trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. needed to see before declaring Big Brown back—and maybe better than before.

“He looks like an absolute picture,” a delighted Dutrow said Tuesday morning after his Triple Crown hopeful resumed training while continuing to heal from a slight crack on the inside of his left front hoof.

“You would never think that he would look this good after what he’s been through—running so often and shipping, flying. He just looks unbelievable.”

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner now appears set for his attempt to become the first Triple Crown winner in the Belmont Stakes on June 7.

With Dutrow re-energized after watching Big Brown move around the track for the first time since Friday, he was asked if the rest of the field, including top threat Casino Drive, is in trouble.


http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/news;_ylt=AjlIFXud3gnIOIYQ0JYpgAU5nYcB?slug=ap-belmont-bigbrown&prov=ap&type=lgns

[two gun sid]

1. I hope so...

but a mile and a half is a long way for a son of Boundry with a quarter crack.

[rocktivity]

2. After what happened to that other horse a few short weeks ago

any injury to Big Brown during or after the race will destroy the sport's image permanently.

:headbang:
rocknation

[TZ]

4. Yeah but hoof injuries like quarter cracks

don't usually lead to lethal injuries, but judging by some of the overwrought sportscasters, you would think it is like racing a horse with a fractured leg bone or something.

[Awsi Dooger]

5. Permanently?

You're nuts. It would flame the kooks in the Lounge. But even if every horse in the Belmont broke down and no horse finished the race, it wouldn't be a permanent stain. A few years of heavy scrutiny, and held breaths in major races. Then day to day normalcy intrudes and the over reactive types who scream permanent are miffed to the point they subconsciously root for another tragedy, so they can be outraged again.

Anyway, whenever you hear summations like better than ever after an injury it's like athletes who are trying to talk themselves into it. Then a year later they concede they came back too soon. Big Brown won't be at his best in a situation like this, probably laboring in the stretch if there's any type of moderate early pace, but that doesn't necessarily mean Casino Drive or anyone else can run him down.

[trumad]

6. Aint nobody gonna run down BB.....

now way, no how....

[aaronbees]

3. Prado will ride Casino Drive

:D }( Nice choice. Spoiler once more?