June 4th, 2008
His cracked hoof still needs some attention and he hasn’t even made his way to the starting gates at Belmont Park, but trainer Rick Dutrow has already committed Big Brown to race in the 2008 Breeder’s Cup.
“Why do you people in the media not believe me?” Dutrow said. “I’ve said all along that the plan is for Big Brown to run in the Breeders’ Cup.”
In a press release, Michael Iavarone and Richard Schiavo, the managing partner of International Equine Acquisitions Holdings (IEAH), which owns Big Brown, and trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. all said they plan to run Big Brown in the Breeders’ Cup.
“The only thing that will keep Big Brown from running in the Breeders’ Cup Classic is Big Brown,” Iavarone said. “If he is healthy, he will run.”
The 2008 Breeders’ Cup World Championships takes place on Oct. 24 and 25 at Santa Anita Park with a total purse of $25.5 million will be awarded over the two days, up from $23 million in 2007.
Get your Belmont Stakes odds and Breeders’ Cup betting at the Bodog Racebook!
June 4th, 2008
Belmont Stakes favorite Big Brown will be racing from the No. 1 position.
The post positions for the Belmont Stakes have been drawn and we’re only three days away from the big race. With Big Brown starting from the No.1 post position, we can only hope that the favorite to win will also become the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years. The big question on everyone’s mind: Will Big Brown’s injured hoof be a factor? Not according to trainer Rick Dutrow.
“He’s in better shape now than he has ever been,” Dutrow said Tuesday.
Hoof specialist Ian McKinlay will make one final repair job to the cracked hoof on Friday and by all accounts that should seal the deal for Big Brown.
“The adhesive that we’ll rebuild that wall with is stronger than the hoof itself,” McKinlay told the Associated Press.
Big Brown’s biggest challenger at 7/2 odds to win the Belmont Stakes is Japanese-bred Casino Drive. He will start from the No. 5 post. Here is the complete field for the 2008 Belmont Stakes, including post position, horse’s name, and odds to win:
1. Big Brown 2/5 odds
2. Guadalcanal 50/1 odds
3. Macho Again 20/1 odds
4. Denis of Cork 12/1 odds
5. Casino Drive 7/2 odds
6. Da’Tara 30/1 odds
7. Tale of Ekati 20/1 odds
8. Anak Nakal 30/1 odds
9. Ready’s Echo 30/1 odds
10. Icabad Crane 20/1 odds
The post time for the Belmont Stakes is 6:30 PM EST. You can watch live coverage of the race starting at 5 PM on ABC. Bet on Belmont Stakes and Big Brown to win the Triple Crown!
June 2nd, 2008
Three weeks is a long wait between the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. It feels even longer this year; Big Brown appears destined to complete the first Triple Crown in 30 years, but every day is an opportunity for complications. Tomcito (50-1), for example, was pulled from the Belmont on Sunday because of congestion.
Spark Candle (50-1) will race instead in Friday’s Grade III Hill Prince Stakes, leaving a probable field of nine for Saturday’s main event. Big Brown was 1-3 at press time. Casino Drive was the second favorite at 7-2, followed by Denis of Cork at 10-1.
The official field, including post positions, will be announced on Wednesday. Big Brown had new sutures put in his left front foot on Saturday; he galloped the full 1.5 miles at Pimlico on Sunday. Denis of Cork is expected to fly in from Churchill Downs on Tuesday with Preakness runner-up Macho Again (40-1).
