As the racing writer for the Lexington Herald- Leader, I have won three Eclipse Awards in thoroughbred racing, three Hervey Awards in harness racing, and I have had a lifetime of working with horses, on the track and in the show ring. But most of all, I simply enjoy horses. The opportunity to write about them has been a true gift.
Alicia Wincze is a general assignment sportswriter, covering everything from the Kentucky Derby to girls' soccer. She started riding at age 8 and was a four-year member of the Pace University equestrian team.
Brown must be for real…
Posted by Maryjean Wall on May 1, 2008
Big Brown’s trainer, Rick Dutrow Jr., came into Churchill Downs this week bragging with a lot of moxy. 
“Well, I think he’s talking for the horse,” said Michael Iavarone, who is among the owners of Big Brown. “We do believe he’s the fastest horse in the race. Obviously he’s going to have to do some things in this race he’s never had to do before but once he gets out there and gets a clean break he’s going to be doing what he did in the Florida Derby.”
Big Brown is a fast horse whose blowout in :35-2/5 for three furlongs Thursday was close to the :36 that his stable had wanted from him, according to Iavarone.
As for the No. 20 post position the ownership group and trainer Dutrow selected Wednesday, Iavarone had more to say about this Thursday morning:
“We were left with 18, 19, 20 or 1 and we didn’t want to be inside. We were thinking about 18…we just felt there wasn’t much of a difference between 18 and 20; if we were to take 18, we would have had some speed outside of us. We would have had Recapturetheglory and Gayego outside of us and Bob Black Jack inside of us, which would have put us in a more challenging spot. I think by being outside and having the speed inside, it will let things unfold a little better. I think we can dictate the race.”
So, what can Brown do for you on Derby day?
Photo by Maryjean Wall/Staff
BK said
What Brown can do for me is to prove Dutrow right and show us he is indeed the second coming of Secretariat by winning the Derby from the 20 hole, then taking the Preakness and the Belmont. That would be pretty damn exciting.
But, uh, I’m not holding my breath. Or even betting him.