Undefeated Big Brown won the 133rd Preakness Stakes by 5 1/4 lengths on Saturday. The final time was 1:54.80 for 1 3/16 miles. Macho Again was up for second, Icabad Crane third, and Racecar Rhapsody was fourth.

Coming from a middle post for the first time, Big Brown made the front all too easily out of the gate, with Macho Again to his inside. From the outside, Gayego, Riley Tucker and Hey Byrn would lead them into the first turn as Kent Desormeaux guided Big Brown to the rail.

As the 1/4 went in 23:59, Big Brown was switched from off the rail for a path just off of Gayego in front, but Riley Tucker, already along side Brown, was gunned ahead for second, boxing in Big Brown.

At the half-mile point, Brown traveled in third a length off the leaders with Desormeaux easing the colt out of the box; turning the tables on Riley Tucker, and intimidating the leaders from outside. Hey Byrn was behind in fourth. Kentucky Bear would make a move up the rail to take a spot inside of Stevil, who was fifth.

Rounding out the final turn with 3/4 gone in 1:10.48, Riley Tucker narrowly grabbed the lead from Gayego, and Big Brown began to roll forward from outside.

At the top of the lane, Big Brown quickly strided to the front of the field and began drawing away. Racecar Rhapsody came out of the turn on a wide trip to meet Icabad Crane, passing the pace setters.

Macho Again was willing to impress, getting out from behind traffic from five-wide to challenge outside of Racecar Rhapsody and Icabad Crane for second-prize. No one was close to Big Brown in the stretch, who was geared-down to win with plenty left for the Test of Champions at Belmont Park on June 7th.

Preakness fractions: 23.59 :46.81 1:10.48 1:35.72 1:54.80

Heavy favorite Big Brown returned $2.40 to win, Macho Again paid $17.20 to place, Icabad Crane $5.60 to show.

Exotics:

Also ran: Racecar Rhapsody (fourth for the fourth time in a row), Stevil, Kentucky Bear, Hey Byrn, Giant Moon, Tres Borrachos, Yankee Bravo, Gayego, Riley Tucker

Undefeated in all five of his lifetime starts, including the Kentucky Derby, Brownie's average winning margin is about eight lengths as he leads us to the Belmont Stakes next. He's an extraordinary horse in command of a tremendous gift, and I hope that he triumphs in his quest to be the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years. Go, Brownie!

Tags: Bigbrown Preakness Triplecrown 2008

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