Big Brown made history happen today, winning the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby from the farthest outside post--a feat that hasn't been done since 1929--and became the first horse to win the race with only three lifetime starts since 1915. Big Brown won by almost five lengths over filly Eight Belles, who unexplicably broke down a quarter-mile after the race.

Coming from post 20, Big Brown broke well and took a stalking position outside of the pace as front-running longshot Bob Black Jack eagerly grabbed the lead out of post 13, advancing towards the rail. Todd Pletcher's front-running turf horse, Cowboy Cal, left post 17 to challenge the leader as the field passed by Churchill Downs famous twin spires for the first time. Pace factor Recapturetheglory (18) settled up just into third just outside the pace setters at the three-path, with Cool Coal Man (1) moving up inside right behind the two leaders. As they made their way into the first turn, Bob Black Jack would set the first fraction at 23.30, and keep Cowboy Cal a length behind him.

Eight Belles, from post 5, was well-placed to stalk the pace and maintained fifth-place position between Cool Coal Man and Recapturetheglory around the first turn. The gutsy filly had to be steadied twice. Big Brown traveled right outside of them in sixth, behind the leader by about three lengths. Z Fortune and Tale of Ekati found room to head the middle of the field. Court Vision (4) made an aggressive outside move to get closer as the opening half was clocked at a mild 47.04.

Recapturetheglory advanced to test the lead, and Cowboy Cal responded while Bob Black Jack was left behind as Big Brown was sent to take command of the race from five-wide.

As they came to the top of the lane Big Brown took over the lead with a dominant advance into the stretch. Eight Belles was sent forward around Recapturetheglory, who along with Cowboy Cal would lack the late kick needed to keep in good company. The mile was put away in 1:36.56.

Z Humor and Colonel John made efforts to advance via an outside route, but it would be Denis of Cork making the most impressive move into contention along the rail--even going around a slower rival in his way--with none other than Calvin Borel on board, of course. However, Big Brown and Eight Belles drew away and were no match for the rest. The margin of victory for Big Brown was 4 3/4 lengths over Eight Belles, who finished 3 1/2 lengths in front of third-place Denis of Cork. Tale of Ekati was 2 3/4 lengths behind Denis to finish fourth.

Big Brown won the 1 1/4 mile Kentucky Derby in 2:01.82. He is now undefeated in four lifetime starts, and his continually proven superiority make him look like a very convincing Triple Crown contender as we look forward to the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 17.

The winner paid $2.40 as the favorite. Eight Belles returned $10.60 to place. Denis of Cork $11.60 to show. The $2 Exacta returned $141.60. The $2 Trifecta paid $3445.60, and the $2 Superfecta returned $58,737.80.

Kentucky Derby 134 fractions:

23:30/ :47.04 / 1:11.14 / 1:36:56 / 2:01.82

Unfortunately, in an unexplicable freak injury no one could have forseen, the filly Eight Belles suddenly fell after the race. She broke both front ankles and had to be humanely euthanized immediately--it was impossible to save her from such severe injuries. Trainer Larry Jones said "It was a quarter-mile after the race... (Breakdowns) just don’t happen there. There’s always a reason things happen, but right now I see no reason for this." Longtime track veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage said he'd never seen anything like it.

Hopefully Big Brown will keep raising our spirits and do the impossible by winning the Triple Crown. Many racing fans haven't had the chance to see a Triple Crown won in their lifetime.

Tags: Bigbrown Kentucky Derby 134 2008 Kentuckyderby

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