Brown (and Dutrow) on edge in Florida

Big Brown is a breeze closer the Kentucky Derby after a five-furlong move Friday in 1:00.60 at Palm Meadows training center, his second work since a win in the Florida Derby.

“It was just what I was looking for. It was basic…nothing special,” said trainer Rick Dutrow. “We don’t need to squeeze the lemon dry in the mornings.”

Big Brown galloped out six furlongs in 1:14 2/5. Clockers and observers termed the move workmanlike.

“Since his last race, and more so in the last couple days, he seems to be getting more aggressive,” said Michelle Nevin, who was up for the work... “He seems very happy and he’s enjoying himself out there.”

Dutrow decided to train the undefeated colt at Palm Meadows rather than shipping to Churchill Downs early because of his and his charge’s comfort level at Gulfstream Park’s satellite training facility in Boynton Beach.

“I like the track here and he seems to like the track here,” said Dutrow. “I feel great about running over any racetrack right now, but the weather has been really, really good. I could bring him up there, but I want to keep him where I know he’s doing good.”

Dutrow added that there are no concrete or similarly paved surfaces at Palm Meadows that Big Brown would have to walk over, an important consideration because hoof problems kept Big Brown from racing for six months. Dutrow is cautiously optimistic that those problems are behind the big bay.
“His feet are cold. I’m not feeling a pulse,” he said. “I could not be happier with his feet, or for that matter, with the way the horse is right now.”

Dutrow next plans to work Big Brown on Thurs., Apr. 24 and ship to Churchill on Mon., Apr. 28. “I’m very excited,” said Dutrow. “I feel like he’s the best horse, and we can’t wait for his next race right now.”