New challengers aim to keep Big Brown from Crown - Preakness Field

[Qbins Missile Crisis]

Actions speak louder than words, and the actions of the trainers who challenged Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby say everything about the respect they have for the undefeated colt.

With fifth-place Derby finisher Recapturetheglory forced to withdraw from the 133rd Preakness Stakes on Saturday after he spiked a fever, it's likely no Derby starter will make the two-week turnaround for a rematch. It would be the first time that happened since 1948, when Citation won the Triple Crown.

Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. is not too concerned about the prospective starters Big Brown must overcome in the 1 3/16-mile middle leg in his bid to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. "I'm glad to see the competition that's in there," Dutrow said. "It's not like it's a stellar, packed field."

He might not be so pleased if trainer Todd Pletcher opts to add unbeaten Harlem Rocker to the mix. The Canadian-bred comes off an eye-catching victory in the Withers that kept his record perfect, and his work Sunday at Belmont Park suggests he is sharp. He zipped 5 furlongs in 1:00.10, third-fastest of 32 drills at that distance. Stablemate Behindatthebar, a confirmed Preakness starter, was just behind (1:00.13).

Pletcher described Harlem Rocker's workout as "dynamite" but postponed a decision on whether to enter the Preakness until he talks to owner Frank Stronach.

"I saw him run last time, and he looked very good," Dutrow said. "He's 3-for-3. He's got a little buzz about him. And that's about as far as it goes, as far as I see."

Bred for Belmont:

If Big Brown can take another step toward the Triple Crown by winning the Preakness, it is already clear he will face a mighty challenge June 7 in the Belmont Stakes.

Casino Drive, using the Peter Pan at Belmont Park as a prep race for the 1 1/2-mile Belmont, could not have been more impressive as he romped by 5 3/4 lengths in that Grade 2 race in his second lifetime start.

Casino Drive debuted with an 11 1/2-length rout in a 9-furlong race in Japan on Feb. 23. His dam, Better Than Honour, produced the last two Belmont winners in Jazil and filly Rags to Riches. He was purchased as a yearling for $950,000 by Hidetoshi Yamamoto in 2006.

"He ran very good in spite of it being so long since his last start," winning trainer Kazuo Fijisawa said. "I look forward to his next race, the Belmont Stakes."

Jockey Kent Desormeaux, the regular rider for Big Brown, had the mount on Casino Drive. He saw firsthand what they might be up against: "He's a phenomenal talent, and we've got our hands full with this one."

PREAKNESS FIELD

Horse Last start (finish)

Big Brown Kentucky Derby, 1st
Behindatthebar Lexington Stakes, 1st
Giant Moon Wood Memorial, 4th
Hey Byrn Holy Bull, 1st
Icabad Crane Tesio Stakes, 1st
Kentucky Bear Blue Grass Stakes, 3rd
Macho Again Derby Trial, 1st
Racecar Rhapsody Lexington Stakes, 4th
Riley Tucker Lexington Stakes, 3rd
Stevil Blue Grass Stakes, 4th
Tres Borrachos Arkansas Derby, 3rd
Yankee Bravo Santa Anita Derby, 4th
Harlem Rocker Withers, 1st

May 12, 2008
By Tom Pedulla, USA TODAY