Big Browns trainer betting BIG on his horse

WildKat · #1 05-01-2008, 12:13 AM

Trainer ready to bet big on Big Brownby RAY KERRISON, New York Post
Updated: April 30, 2008, 6:34 PM EST 31 comments add this RSS blog email print LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. served notice on the world yesterday that his horse, Big Brown, will not get beaten in Saturday's Kentucky Derby. To prove it, he plans to bet the bank on him.

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In a rousing press conference on Churchill Downs' backstretch, the 48-year-old maestro, bursting with confidence and bravado, said flatly there isn't a horse in sight that can beat Big Brown, the likely favorite, in the mile-and-a-quarter classic.

"I have not seen a horse with my own eyes who will beat him," Dutrow cried. "I'm not concerned about any other horse. Just ours. If he breaks clean, he'll do the job."

Asked about the presence of the filly, Eight Belles, in the line-up, Dutrow chortled, "I love her being in there. I just can't imagine her beating us."

Dutrow has stirred a lot of emotions in the Derby parade with his repeated assertions that the Derby is a one-horse race -- his horse. He thinks Big Brown so overwhelms the field that he characterizes the big race as a mismatch.

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Then he turns the screw. "We're going to be betting on him Saturday," he said. "In fact, I'm going to bet as much as I can, or as much as my friends will let me. That way, I can't get into trouble if I lose.''

Dutrow's betting boast is no idle chatter. He recently told the Daily Racing Form that he bet $160,000 to win on his horse, Saint Liam, in the 2005 Breeders' Cup Classic. When the horse won, Rick collected $384,000 in winnings.

He plans to repeat the attack on the mutuels in the Derby and he doesn't care who knows it.

Nothing worries him. Big Brown has had only three races, winning them all, including the Florida Derby after drawing the outside 12 post position.

It was that spectacular race that boosted Big Brown into Derby favoritism. But no horse has won the Derby with so light a preparation since Regret in 1915. Curlin, America's Horse of the Year last year, tried to win the Derby with only three starts and failed.

134th Kentucky Derby

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"Doesn't bother me at all," said Dutrow. "We have the best horse. We love the way he is training. Look at all the speed figs, the charts, etc. He's the horse. I like our horse. He has speed out of the gate and he will automatically be in front of 15 horses when they jump.''

Big Brown (who is named after UPS) was plagued with foot problems early in his career, which explains why he has had only three races.

One foot became infected and then exploded into a quarter crack. Hardly had that healed when another foot was stricken with a quarter crack, which took 45 days to heal. "Usually, they heal in 10 to 12 days," said Dutrow.

The trainer warned that quarter cracks can recur at any time. "They usually pop under pounding," he said. Big Brown wears special glue-on shoes with rubber tips to absorb the concussion.

Dutrow thinks he is on top of the issue and there will be no problem Saturday. "It's not that I'm confident," he said. "It's the horse that gives me the confidence."

Dutrow revealed he also has an adviser -- none other than top trainer Bobby Frankel. "I consult with him when things come up," he said. "I called him today about a matter. I think Bobby is the best living trainer in the world.''

FBHERO · #2 05-01-2008, 07:27 AM

Big Brown Trainer should shut his mouth, he isn't that good and has beaten absolutely no legit horse. He could be a freak, but right now he is long on potiential and short on proving it. Never met a trainer not confident, but this is a bit much. Horse racing is and Nascar or WWE, trash talking is not allowed.