Article:Big Brown is for real

Well, so far the big chestnut is the hottest thing on four legs since Secretariat. Big Brown is not only one step closer to the first Triple Crown since the Carter administration, he is doing it in somewhat impressive fashion. Starting on the outside in the 20th spot two weeks ago at Churchill Downs, his win was tainted due to the death of Eight Belles but impressive none the less. This time, he was placed in the seven spot and came away with a win that even Seabiscuit would be proud of. 39 lengths in two wins is nothing to sneeze at.

Big Brown tied for the fourth-lowest payoff in Preakness history with Native Dancer in 1953. Sent off at 1-5 odds, he paid $2.40, $2.60 and $2.40. Macho Again returned $17.20 and $10.40, while Icabad Crane paid $5.60. Not a whole lot of money but not bad for a day's work.

So far, he's two for two. The horse, named for the world's largest shipping company, based in Atlanta (UPS) has yet to lose a race in his short career and his value has gone through the roof. Can you imagine being a filly and seeing him as the potential sire of your colt? He's worth it. $2,714,500 will buy you a hell of a lot of hay and anything else you want.

Yes, the zealots that want to turn us into vegetarians, PETA reared its ugly misinformed head today at Pimlico. As much as I can't stand them, they have the right to protest. No matter. Today was his day. Today was also a homecoming for winning jockey Kent Desormeaux, the Cajun jockey who launched his career in Maryland in 1987.

Now he's got three weeks to get ready for the ride of his life in the New York City area. The Belmont will the challenge for him, because everyone is expecting him to win and the course is a little bit longer. America has waited three decades, five presidents, for a Triple Crown winner.

I say the wait is over.