Denis of Cork pointed toward Belmont
Southwest Stakes winner Denis of Cork, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby, worked five furlongs in 1:01 on a fast track at Churchill Downs on Monday. The move, under jockey James Lopez, ranked fifth out of 31 at the distance. The horse is being pointed toward the Belmont Stakes on June 7. R... read more
Despite buzz of Big Brown, Preakness handle down
After four straight years of handle topping $87 million, wagering on the Preakness program declined 15.8 percent in a year-over-year comparison with the 2007 card. All-sources handle, not including separate-pool wagering, was $73,457,510 for the 13-race card, according to data released by the Maryla... read more
Big Brown leaves for NY
Preakness and Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown left the Pimlico Race Course stakes barn on Monday and headed for New York and the June 7 Belmont Stakes. “I am feeling pretty confident about things,” trainer Rick Dutrow said. “I can see that he is sharp. Yesterday he was bouncing and... read more
Macho Again’s plans up in air
Macho Again, a surprising second in Saturday’s Preakness, came out of the race in good order and was shipped back to trainer Dallas Stewart’s barn at Churchill Downs on Sunday morning. “He looked to be fine,” Stewart said. “He ate well (Saturday) night. Of course, we didn&#... read more
$50M for Big Brown
The owners of Preakness and Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown have agreed to a $50 million deal to syndicate the horse’s breeding rights to Kentucky’s Three Chimneys Farm, NBC Sports reported. Michael Iavarone, co-president of IEAH Stables, said he could not confirm the $50 million figure ... read more
Giant Moon too fast in practice?
Giant Moon, who has the No. 11 post for the Preakness, breezed a half mile this week a little faster than Richard Schosberg had wanted, but the trainer said the time of 47.77 seconds wasn’t a problem. “It’s not like he worked [five furlongs] in :57,” Schosberg said. ” &... read more
Preakness Stakes preview
Saturday’s 133rd Preakness Stakes is all about two horses: One who will run in the race and one who won’t. Of course, the horse most everyone will be watching is Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, who drew the No. 7 post in a field of 13 and is the overwhelming morning-line betting favorite at 1-2... read more
Big Brown gets in a mile
Big Borwn jogged a mile over a sealed racetrack that was listed as muddy at Churchill Downs on Monday. Exercise rider Michelle Nevin was in the saddle as Big Brown exercised under the gaze of trainer Rick Dutrow. “He’s good,” Dutrow said. “He came out of the race good and he&... read more
Casino Drive makes Belmont statement in Peter Pan
Casino Drive announced his presence as a major contender for the June 7 Belmont Stakes with an impressive 5 3/4-length victory in Saturday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park. Casino Drive is a son of Mineshaft out of the mare Better Than Honour, who is the mother of Belmont S... read more
UPS signs deal with Big Brown
Shipping giant UPS is trying to capitalize on Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, whose minority owner named the horse in the company’s honor. The company said Friday it has signed a marketing agreement with jockey Kent Desormeaux and Big Brown’s owners. UPS, also known as United Parcel Ser... read more