The minute Big Brown crossed the finish line in the Preakness, what I like to refer to as “johnny come lately syndrome” started infecting people. ”He’s the greatest” I heard many say. ”There’s no one like him since Cigar!” others chimed in.
Apparently toying with a field of less than super competition makes you the greatest race horse that’s ever lived! Somebody pinch me. I thought I was living in a world where there were plenty of “good” race horses, but that “greatness” was reserved for those who have, I don’t know, beaten an actual quality competitor? My, how quickly we forget.
I know what you guys are thinking. “Kevin, didn’t you just call on us last week to throw our support behind Big Brown in the Belmont?”
I did, and now I’m seriously starting to regret having done so.
To be certain, I’ve nothing against Big Brown the horse. I think he’s a marvelous animal and I stand by my statements that I will not knock him (the horse) for that which he has not faced. There’s nothing he can do about that.
That being said, I don’t have to cheer for his ridiculously asinine trainer, Richard Dutrow.
When asked how Big Brown might match up against Curlin, Dutrow’s reply to the Thoroughbred Times was:
“Well, I’ve seen Curlin get beat by a filly — so that is not impressive to me. I can’t imagine there’s a filly breathing air that could beat Big Brown.”
A couple of thoughts about that, Dickie. One, you show an absolute lack of class. Your colt hasn’t had to face anything like what Curlin faced in last year’s Triple Crown. Let’s not forget that, shall we? Or do you think that Denis of Cork and Hey Byrn are somehow of Street Sense and Hard Spun’s quality? To suggest that you haven’t been impressed with Curlin? There’s not a horse racing fan alive, love him or hate him, that hasn’t been absolutely blown away with Curlin. What’s the matter? Sport not big enough for two stars?
Secondly, what’s with the “filly breathing air” bit? Is that some sort of knock against Eight Belles? If so, words can’t describe how badly you deserve to be beaten. To bash the reigning horse of the year for losing a ridiculous race by a neck to a super-filly, and to then go on and take a swipe at all fillies alive – you are beyond pond scum, Mr. Dutrow.
As if that’s not bad enough, rather than talking about how wonderful his colt is heading into an almost sure-thing date with destiny as the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years, Dutrow finds the need to bash his main competitor in 2 weeks, Casino Drive.
“All the Japanese people thought Godzilla was dead. They’re going to find out he’s not dead — he’s here.”
Why hold back, Dickie? Just go all out and declare that Hiroshima and Nagasaki were nothing while you’re at it?
Prior to these shenanigans, we had Dutrow whining like a 5-year-old girl about the way Edgar Prado rode longshot Riley Tucker in the Preakness. Apparently Edgar was just supposed to let Big Brown win. How dare he not do so?
Of course, the whole Dutrow (Big Brown) vs. Asmussen (Curlin) drama that the press is eating up was flamed by Dutrow’s initial swipe from last Friday’s edition of the DRF. When asked about a possible showdown with Curlin being in the cards, Dutrow responded:
”that would be good for racing, it would be good for us, it wouldn’t be so good for them.”
The first time I read that, I mistakenly thought “them” meant both Curlin and Big Brown, and that “us” meant racing fans. Oh no, how foolish to expect something that does not lack class to come out of a Dutrow orifice. “Us” is now understood to have meant Dutrow and Big Brown, while “them” referred to Asmussen and Curlin.
To his credit, Steve Asmussen refused to stoop to Dutrow’s level of Jerry Springer-esque antics. When asked about the comments, Asmussen replied that Dutrow “has laid out three races for his horse (the Belmont, the Travers, and the Breeder’s Cup Classic). Two of them (the Belmont and the Travers) are for 3-year-olds, and the other is on a synthetic surface (the Breeder’s Cup Classic), which neither one of us has ever raced on. Pretty daring of him, huh?”
Well said, Steve. I’m not sure I could’ve restrained myself from unleashing an expletive laced tirade myself if confronted with the comments from this windbag.
Look, let me be clear about this. I think a match race between Big Brown and Curlin would be incredible for the sport. In fact, it’s probably EXACTLY what the sport needs. It would be billed as the race of the century, if not more. The only thing I’d have against it is that one of these magnificent animals would lose. Somethings are just best left to fantasy, I suppose. Not to mention the fact that I still believe Dutrow is full of it and his colt won’t race a day past the Belmont. With his foot problems and a $50 million stud deal already lined up, why risk everything just to appease Dutrow’s ballooning ego? Just doesn’t seem worth it to me.
It’s going to be hard to stomach such a loud mouthed jackass like Dutrow winning the Triple Crown in two weeks. I’ll cheer for Big Brown, but I’ll refuse to be congratulatory of Dutrow in any way, shape, or form. He’s like the kid in little league that refuses to shake hands with the other team. He’s the model of what you’d instruct your sons NOT to be like. Quite frankly, it’s time the man had to eat some crow for a change. Nothing brings more hilarity to a situation than the proverbial pride before the fall. Who wouldn’t get great joy of Dutrow doing an impression of “the Emperor Wears No Clothes?”
I’m going to give him one last shot to be a decent human being. Can the Curlin bashing, Dickie, and be respectful of the defending Horse of the Year, else you just may wind up having to remember the old saying “be careful what you wish for.” For just 2 months ago we watched the top older horses in the world want absolutely no part of Curlin in the Dubai World Cup. Yeah, I’d say Curlin was facing a bit more than Stevil and Tale of Ekati there.
We already know what Curlin can do when he has to look a foe in the eye in the stretch. Can anyone say the same about your ginger-footed “champion” (assuming he prevails at Belmont)? I think many of us are hoping that he comes out of the Belmont sound and without injury first and foremost. Perhaps you’d be wise to do the same and focus on your colt’s feet rather than running your mouth about Curlin?
Somehow I don’t think what this sport needs right now is a pompous, blabber-mouthed trainer being on center stage and giving the entire world a lesson in how to be totally classless about your profession. I’ve got no problem with you believing in your colt. You should believe in him. He is likely the only horse in the world that could give Curlin a run for his money. There is, however, a fine line between confidence and being despicably cocky. Consider for a moment that right now the entire world is watching, and then think for a second before you open your mouth again.
”Speak softly, and carry a big stick.”
Sources:
- http://www.latimes.com/sports/printedition/la-sp-briefing28-2008may28,0,3681675.story
- http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/articles/2008/05/27/sports/sports02.txt
Kevin, your all kinds of fired up today! Love the Dickie line!
You know how I am with Curlin.
Shoot, just noticed I totally contradict myself. I mention that Big Brown hasn’t faced anyone, then say I won’t knock him for it.
Damn you, Dutrow!!!! See what you’ve done?!!?!
Dutrow is great for the sport. He’s like Ali. He talks a bunch of smack and it sparks much interest and debate even if you just want to see him get beat. When people are always reserved and respectful with their comments it gets a little boring.
I would absolutely love to see Curlin spank Big Brown.
In all seriousness, are either of these two men real good for the sport? Not only do they have the two best horses in training, but they also have ( debatable I suppose ) the dirtiest backgrouds.
And what are the first things brought to light when these two horses started the rise to stardom? Their respective trainers antics.
There’s Phil J!!!! Hadn’t seen you in a while, buddy. You’re right, and what’s weird is that it’s Larry Jones who has had his name drug through the mud in recent months.
@Jerry – you’re probably right. I just couldn’t believe he would talk trash about Curlin. Keep your eye on the prize at hand, Dutrow.
OK, on this “filly breathing air” bit…. Second, he is grossly underestimating Curlin. I do believe that horses should be raced older, when they have had a change to mature and develop more. Curlin is a much tougher horse than he was last year. Baby Brown would have a real race on his hands.
First, NEVER, EVER underestimate females just because they are female. Whatever the reasons, excuses, immaturity, bad trip, luck even … Rags beat the best horse in the world in a fair race. Rags is still breathing. Dickie had better take a buddy with him when he goes out at night. Some amazon may roll him in an alley just to prove a point. He’d better watch out for her baby brother in the Belmont.
This reminds me of a story I heard about Seattle Slew and Forego. After the Belmont, Slew’s crew walked him around Forego’s barn while wearing a blanket with the words “Triple Crown Winner” embroidered on it. The next day Slew was walked by again, but Forego’s stall had a blanket draped on it that said “Horse of the Year”. Slew wasn’t walked through that area after that.
It’s Dutrow’s antics like this (not counting his suspensions, etc that’s a different subject) along with the background of IEAH’s head member (see Brooklyn Backstretch for a link) that makes me not partake of the Big Brown Kool-aid. Where’s the class of Penny Chenery, Steve Cauthen, et al? It’s one thing to be confident but another thing to be cocky, arrogant, and obnoxious. It makes one wonder whether the racing gods will look favorably upon them. All the “chatter” has me, at this point, thinking that it would be far more cooler to have 3 consecutive Belmonts won by 3 consecutive foals from the same mare than a Triple Crown winner from an obnoxious braggart.
Hey guys love to see the debate around Big Brown. Gets people fired up and excited about the sport. Personally I think Dutrow should shut up cause I love the modest winners. Anyway, I found this game that teaches people how to bet on the ponies and showed it to my friends so they weren’t idiots when we went to the tracks. Help spread the sport and link it to yours sites if you have em. Go Curlin!.
great piece keep it up,
http://www.getsulky.com/lennyarnold.php
Paul
Hey guys love to see the debate around Big Brown. Gets people fired up and excited about the sport. Personally I think Dutrow should shut up cause I love the modest winners. Anyway, I found this game that teaches people how to bet on the ponies and showed it to my friends so they weren’t idiots when we went to the tracks. Help spread the sport and link it to yours sites if you have em. Go Curlin!.
great piece keep it up,
http://www.getsulky.com/lennyarnold.php
Paul
No serious handicapper gives much credence or attention to trainer quotes. Sometimes jockey comments can be indicative as it relates to a particular horse. Albarado mentioned that Curlin made a huge improvement in the Ark Dby over the Rebel and also that Mineshaft was the better older horse, both comments being confirmed by my pace figs. Jerry Bailey commented that Medaglia d’Oros’ performance in the Donn Hcp was the best of his career which is exactly what my figs were telling me.
Big Brown is a promising 3yo of spring so comparing him to older horses amounts to speculation and Dutrow likely figures that the informed racegoer takes it all as dead air filling comedy. Street Sense was a Derby winner that did not develop furthur as Curlin did and the result was a dismal performance as favorite in the BCC while Curlin went off at a very generous 4-1 odds as the fastest horse on paper. So much for the so-called “trainer factor” and the mythology of trainer stats.
Bettors should never listen to what the media says about trainers. Street Sense showed works over the CD surface prior to the Bluegrass the trainer indicating clearly the objective of winning on the CD surface. I’d be more interested in whether or not BB shows a decent work over the Bel surface a week out as did Rags To Riches prior to her Belmont win where Curlin or Smarty Jones did not. Birdstone won a Gr-1 race over the Bel surface. Tomcito also shows a good 6f speed work from the Peter Pan and a 12F win…may be pointing to this race…should be a huge price. Casino Drive has prepped at Bel.
Jerry, I don’t know about the Dutrow-Ali comparison.
I was thinking more along the lines of Dutrow-Ozzie Guillen.
My friends and I also had a huge debate the other day about how we would’ve handled the whole quarter-inch crack thing if we were Dutrow. Would you have made it seem worse than it really was, totally downplay its significance, or try to hide it entirely?
Oops. Bad grammar in that last comment.
@riffkind – Tell ‘em, sister! I’m a guy that thinks fillies can/should defeat colts much more regularly than we see in U.S. racing. I remember seeing Curlin going to post in the Belmont, and while his eyes looked a bit tired, the rest of him looked like a million bucks – then I saw Rags. I didn’t think it was possible that anyone could look better than Curlin, but somehow she did. We threw some dough on her at the last minute. I had been worried all week that she was going to beat him and she did. She’ll always have my respect. Such a shame she didn’t get to leave on a high note. Would’ve LOVED to see her run again as a 4 year old.
@Anglokraut – ooooh, nice story! Very fitting.
@Katie aka TripleCrown 73 – Wow, I hadn’t thought of it quite like that, but that would be a helluva “triple crown” from the last 3 years!!! It’s definitely hard to back a Dutrow horse at the moment, but I think Jerry’s right about how the media attention from his comments might actually help generate interest. Heck, we do live in a day and age where even daily news has to be sensationalized just to get folks to pay attention. Everything’s “extreme.” I guess we just long for more simpler times. Either that or trainers who can show a bit more class, both to their own horses (reference to the suspensions) and those of others (reference to his comments).
@pfrank – that’s a pretty cool site you’ve got there. I’m fond of anything that helps teach newcomers how to play the game. I’ll have to link back to you guys in my blogroll and perhaps the “beginner’s corner” section.
@Don Swanson – Don, you are a god when it comes to making your own pace figures. So you really think Tomcito has a chance to get in the money? Very intersting. I liked him underneath in the Florida Derby, but had soured on him lately. Wasn’t planning on using him at all but now I”ll have to reconsider. Casino Drive is an obvious must-use as the logical contender, but you’re right – Tomcito should be a HUGE price on the board underneath. Very interesting.
@glenvargas – That’s a great question. Knowing me, I probably would’ve made it a bigger deal than it was, just in case my horse were to flop. I’d feel a bit safer of the microphones and cameras if I had a ready made excuse. That’s just me though – I suspect Dutrow and company didn’t want that much attention about it, but when you’re a Triple Crown hopeful, it’s damn near impossible to escape that kind of scrutiny. And don’t worry about grammar, my good man – this is a horse racing blog, not an English class.
Well we often say horseplayers are a passionate bunch.
I have complimented the blog in the past, and will do so again, as it is one of the best reads out there (in my opinion). This post, however, shows some real fire – horseplayer fire. I loved it.
Well said, and a great piece. Keep up the good work and best luck sir!
Pullthepocket – thanks once again from the bottom of my heart. I was worried if you guys were going to like this post or if it was going to cross the line for some readers. Passionate indeed – my temper was flaring yesterday.
All – more of the quotable Dutrow:
“…it’s a foregone conclusion” (about Big Brown winning the Belmont)
“… there’s no way in the world that Casino Drive can beat him…”
Also mentioning that any jockey that interferes with Big Brown (ala Smarty Jones in 2004) “might get assasinated.”
???
http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=32754
I love that he had to respond to a question about posts like this.
Oh yes, and remember that “ghosts of Belmont” post I did last week calling on Edgar Prado to get the mount for Casino Drive?
Prado’s on board!!!!
Get ‘em Edgar!!!!
I still am trying to look at this from a win/win perspective. If BB wins, we get a Triple Crown, 15 minutes of Andy Warhol-esque fame for the sport, etc.
If he loses, then we get to watch Dutrow eat crow on national tv.
Sounds like we’ll have an exciting day no matter what.
By the way, if the latter were to happen and Dickie were to show class to the winning connections, I’ll be the first to applaud the guy. I don’t mean to tear him down – his Daddy was a legend of Maryland racing, I’d just like to see a bit more class. He can be eccentric – just be that way about his horse. Leave the bashing of others out of it.
I have a headacke……………
Who will face Curlin in the Steven Foster….
It will not be heatseeker or tiago…..They are both running this weekend.
why does Big-Brown connections have the Travers in mind–Why not
take on the older horses in the Jockey Club like Curlin did last year, Heck-
Even Curlin might show up to defend his title………
I don’t think he’ll face anyone of name – maybe a few local horses. I was just chatting via email that I was worried that the Foster might not draw enough horses to run since everyone’s scared of Curlin. Haven’t they heard of the Dubai bounce? (not that I expect that though).
As far as Big Brown goes, I think one last try against 3 year olds is rather smart – if for nothing else than to assess how he came out of the Triple Crown races. Curlin did the Haskell before the JGC. Maybe it’s similar thinking?
I still don’t think Big Brown will race past the Belmont though.
Yeah KS I’ve been real busy. This is my busiest time of the year at work and I’ve also had two weddings, some birthdays etc.
One of my buddies had the nerve to have his wedding on Preakness Day. Lucky for him, the bar area at the reception had TV’s or I would have been a no show.
Plus, you and Pull the Pocket do good work on your respective blogs covering both the jug heads and tbreds.
Dutrow had diarreah of the mouth again this morning it seeems. He was critical of Elliot and Servis and how Smarty Jones was handled in his run to the Triple Crown.
Wishing against a potential triple accomplishment would be very sad indeed.
I love Curlin, but I also love outstanding accomplishments like the one that BB is pursuing. The last time I checked, Big B wasn’t doing any talking, just a whole lot a running. So let’s support this great young champion. He’s as worthy of the recognition that the other great ones in the past have received. He’s as fragile as he is great and as a result will not be with us on the racing trail for too long, due to his historical foot problems. That’s a fact…. So, let’s hope no one gets injured at Belmont and we see another triple crown worthy of the previous winners…
Go Big and go Curlin….America’s great young and older champions….
BMC
We’re not not supporting the horse. I do hope for a triple crown this year! It would just be the icing on the cake if Dutrow developed a severe case of laryngitis next week.
@Phil – I figured it was work that was keeping you busy. You do some fine blogging yourself, buddy. If I remember correctly, I think it was you that first proclaimed Big Brown a potential Derby winner after his off-the-turf allowance win. That’s pretty much the pick of the year right there.
@BMC – WIshing against a Triple Crown? I’m guessing you didn’t see my ‘Why I’m backing Big Brown” post? It’s linked back to in the above post as well (see the blue text that says “I did” – that’s the link). No where have I said I don’t want to see a Triple Crown, and we’ve already laid out the reasons it would be good for the sport – this discussion is simply about the bloviating windbag known as Richard Dutrow Jr.
@rifkind1969 – Perfect! Can I hire you as my PR person? I’m guessing that if B.Brown loses, Dutrow will refuse to be interviewd on camera. I guess I shouldn’t fault him for that yet considering defeat isn’t likely to happen and he could rise to the occassion, but that’s my prediction. Interesting to note as Phill does that he (Dutrow) took swipes at Smarty’s connections. They (Smarty’s people) showed a world of class when Birdstone upset their bid for the Triple Crown. it would be fascinating to be able to compare/contrast the actions of those two camps following upsets.
Hi Kevin–
Great blog.
I’d love it if you dropped by our site, Into Equus (http://www.intoequus.com). We’re featuring an article by Melodee at Chez Chevaux. Melodee’s the daughter of a trainer, has been involved with horses for 30 years, and now retrains ex-racers.
Best,
Jill
Jill -
That’s an AWESOME site you’ve got going!!!! Did I see pics of Fair Hill there?? That’s where I grew up and where I first fell in love with horse racing!!! This year was the first in about a decade I didn’t make it back to see the races on Memorial Day. Just had too many things going on (kind of like tonight, which is why I haven’t updated anything in 2 days now).
I applaud your efforts and think the work you guys (and Melodee) are doing is noble and needed. So glad to meet others that love horses.
All-
You guys should all be angry at me – so many great commentors here and I’ve been a lousy host. I’m trying to catch up and make sure I’ve got you guys all blogrolled.
Just added:
-glenvaragas
-pull the pocket
-into equus
-get sulky
EDIT: – Don Swanson (Don, you should’ve cursed me out by now for not adding you sooner!)
I know I’m missing folks. Let me know if I’ve missed you – you guys have all been wonderful to have over here and I want to make sure I repay the love as much as possible.
“Lousy host”? No way.
[...] I’ve been on both sides of the fence with this guy, imploring folks to support him and then calling on his trainer to show a bit more class with his comments. One may be more than a tad confused exactly where my sentiments lie with the subject of Big [...]
[...] the plus side, Rick Dutrow’s words finally came back to haunt him. Regular readers know I had called on folks to support Big Brown because A) I thought he was [...]
http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/news?slug=capress-thbrd_congress_safety&prov=capress&type=lgns
Dutrow no-showed on the congressional! Boy’s got some nerve don’t he?
Sorry that got stuck in the spam filter, rifkind – must’ve been the link. You know how akismet can be.
Can’t say I’m surprised by Dutrow. He says he’s sick. Not sure I wanted him representing the game in front of Congrss anyway.
[...] to be fair, I’ve been a bit hard on Rick in recent months and don’t want to appear as a shark circling the waters. Let’s be honest – what was he [...]