In what is easily the most impressive front-running win in one of this year's Kentucky Derby preps, undefeated Big Brown won the 1 1/8 mile Florida Derby by about five lengths in 1:48.16. He is the first horse to ever win from post 12 at that distance on Gulfstream's dirt. He was only 0.37 shy of breaking the track record set by Brass Hat in 2006 (in the Donn Handicap). This was the fastest running of the Florida Derby since Unbridled's Song won it in 1996.

When the gates opened in the $1 million race Big Brown was quickly driven to a better position by jockey Kent Desormeaux, getting Big Brown into third at the three-path going into the turn. More surprising was the fact that close to the pace did not satisfy Big Brown enough, and he quickly took over the lead to set quick fractions. Expected pace-setter Fierce Wind, at the rail, was no match and retreated. At this point you had to think the more inexperienced Big Brown blew the race, that he'll fade around the far turn or certainly in the stretch as he sets a very fast pace, maintaining a strong lead throughout. But he never stopped. How fast did he run? At least, or about a second faster than paces we would usually respect: 22.76, 45.83, 1:10.08, and the mile went at a 1:35.18. Finally we've seen some speed in a Derby prep that wasn't over that hard Santa Anita synthetic surface.

Big Brown extended his lead at the top of the stretch, with Smooth Air a game second as the winner crossed the wire. Tomcito finsihed several lengths behind Smooth Air for third.

Big Brown was the favorite and paid $5 to win. You can forget about getting that much value from him next time. He looks like he could be caught at a longer distance, but Desormeaux did not have to ask him for much more to keep the lead this time. He'll be going near the top of many fans' Derby contenders lists.

Did I see the new 2008 Derby Trail hero emerge that I wanted to today? Yes. I'm not a big fan of front-runners, but this guy never slowed down, and just looked like he's from another planet where they normally run even faster.

Of course, there will be more to prove after his stakes debut in this trip--only his third lifetime start. Horses who like to be close to the pace will probably not test Big Brown early next time. However, if he controls the pace easily he will have too much left when they finally do try to catch him. Maybe someone will find the perfect time in a race to take a shot at him. It doesn't look easy, does it?

Tags: Bigbrown Floridaderby 2008 Kentuckyderby Desormeaux

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