Big Brown may have defeated the group we thought were the best 3 year-olds in the country at the 2008 Kentucky Derby, but Saturday at Belmont Park a colt named Casino Drive proved there may still be hurdles left to climb with a resounding 5 3/4 length victory in the Grade 2 Peter Pan Stakes. The Peter Pan serves as a spring board for Belmont hopefuls in the third leg of the Triple Crown.
The son of Mineshaft also boasts an impressive 11 3/4 length victory in Japan. The competition he bested in the Peter Pan included Mint Lane, Golden Spikes, and Tomcito, among others. The final time for the Peter Pan was 1:47.87.
Did we just see a superstar in the making? He looks like he’ll be tough in the Belmont to me. Note that he’s a half to Jazil and Rags to Riches - so we’ve got some Belmont goodness in those genes. Casino Drive is trained by Kazua Fujisawa, who is trying to become the first Japanese trainer to win a Triple Crown race in the U.S.
We’ll have to see who might pick up the mount in the Belmont though, as doubtless Kent Desormeaux (who rides both Big Brown and Casino Drive) will stick with Big Brown. It’s just a shame we didn’t find out about this guy in time for the Preakness.
Didn’t find out about this guy until now? I wrote about him last summer!
Not much - heard some buzz about him heading into the Peter Pan, but don’t usually follow Japanese racing. Looks like a good one though.
“Did we just see a superstar in the making?”
The short answer is a definite yes.
When a horse ships in from Japan off one start and goes favored, it’s a pretty good indication that the competition is/was weak and more than a few people knew something. One has to keep in mind that Belmont one-turn routes produce faster times except at 10F. The 24 middle fraction cooked the pacesetter so it’s still a pretty good race for the winner and certainly good enough to qualify as a bona-fide contender for the Belmont. Yeah the buzz started on this one as soon as he sold being from the Stolen Hour tail-female line which includes horses like Grey Swallow, Denon, and Peeping Fawn.
I have been watching this horse since I heard his owners were thinking of bringing him to the States after his impressive maiden debut in Japan. His breeding is tremendous. I dont mind that we won’t see him again until the Belmont Stakes as I think that is the race he is perfect for. I still got a hunch Big Brown will be picked off in the Preakness, but regardless I will not be surprised at all if Casino Drive is the better horse.
Raincoaster told me to come over here! I’m getting geared up for the Preakness in B’more! I love your blog.
Hello again! I just saw his race this weekend. He looked really nice but when I downloaded the PP I saw he didn’t beat anyone good in that race. Im going to keep an eye on him though. Still the best of the worst as they say.
Looks like this guy’s gong to be our only hope against Big Brown - Patrick is confirming that Harlem Rocker is out for the Preakness.
I found this on Thoroughbredtimes.com : “If Big Brown does not win the Preakness, Iavarone said it is unlikely he will go on to the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 7 at Belmont Park.”
I hope Big Brown does win the Preakness. I have been eagerly awaiting the match between him and Casino Drive in the Belmont.
It is disappointing that IEAH seems to want to cash out as quickly as possible. IFHA lists Big Brown as second to Curlin in its world ranking. Horseracing needs more Curlins.
I agree rifkind1969. It’s a sad state of affairs when all of the best retire in their prime. Unless something ridiculous happens on Saturday, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about as far as Big Brown winning. He should be able to do so with relative ease- assuming the Derby and the trip to Baltimore didn’t sap him of strength.
I may be crazy but I see casino Drive all by himself coming down the streach, winning it by 16 lenths as Big Brown fades to fourth after keeping up with Casino Drive as they pass the 1 mile pole. Now here come the long shots 2nd & 3rd. Biggest pay off in Belmont History.$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$