2008 Kentucky Derby follow up questions
 

I am seeking some responses as to why I feel Big Brown's victory in the 2008 Kentucky Derby was not celebrated nearly as much as his accomplishment deserves to be. I have watched this race now over 100 times and please tell me what i am missing.

My take:

I saw an incredible horse run from the 20th post, (in the most storied horse race) including positioning himself through the cavalry charge, FIVE WIDE on two turns, and at the top of the stretch he shot like a rocket to win by nearly five lengths. Say what you want about the arguably weaker competition (than past years), but please tell me why this was not a victory for the ages considering the degree of difficulty of the chemistry of this race, and the post position he had to overcome, not to mention the margin of victory?

I honestly do respect the opinions on this board. I am just looking for comments based on this one race. Let's leave out all of the owner/trainer/jockey/other races and just discuss my questions above.
Thanks...and if you haven't seen this race in a while, here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi9H_G4ztIU

I think it was one of the better Derby wins in recent history, but you have stated why it hasn't been celebrated enough.

Owners/trainer/jockey as well as the cloud that Eight Belles' death put on the race. It seems that more lines were written about those 4 factors than the race or Big Brown.

the horse run a whale of a race and then some. was sitting right in front of the starting gate from it. unfortunately, couldn't bet on him, as only 1 horse in 133 years won from the 20 hole and I'm not taking 5-2 going against that much history.

I guess my point was that the circumstances in which he won, and challenges that he overcame, didn't seem to be highlighted nearly as much as him just winning.

I think the point you just made makes this topic worthy of a discussion. I am very jealous that you had the vantage point you did at Churchill. I'd love to go some day.

the most obvious answer is you're overrating it.

why do you think you cling so tightly to something like this?

I think that is fair for you to say considering the majority of MY posts this past year were Pro- Big Brown. To answer, I would say I am no fan of the Chicago Cubs, but the reason they get so much attention each year is because they haven't won the World Series in 100 years. No horse had won from post 20 in nearly as long either, so I feel it is worth clinging to.

Maybe I get too wrapped up in the pageantry of it all. I am just not convinced the field was that bad.

I have no idea what chemistry you are talking about. He had a lousey post and was wide but he was also clear of any trouble. But, he was a very good horse against a very medicore field.
Other reasons that also took away/negated the celebration: Eight Bells, IEAH, Dutrow/steriod talk, The Belmont.

That day (in May) Col. John, Tale of Ekati, and Eight Belles were three very good horses.

I don't want to criticize, but wouldn't a performance for the ages (let's stick to the KY Derby) be Secretariat's Derby ? How about Seattle Slew? He actually beat a dreadful field, but he broke terribly and literally bulled his way through the field. I was no fan of Alysheba, but his Derby was remarkable - if he hadn't picked himself up, McCarron probably wouldn't have been killed.

There are impressive performances and then there are legendary performances. Not every one of the former is the latter. Thunder Gulch had a terrible post - I know 16 is not quite 20, and he won very well......but it was hardly legendary. What's wrong with saying Big Brown was impressive and leaving it there? He won the Derby - his name will go down in history. Better horses than he will be far less famous because of it.

Mike Smith lets the bull roll!

But there is cause for Concern!

What a hero!

ANY 3 year old horse to beat 19 other 3 year old horses at a mile and a quarter in a pressure packed situation IS impressive.

i agree with dahoss, the lackluster field contributes greatly to the lack of 'wow' regarding the derby.
keep in mind that every year a horse wins the race, it always has a winner....also, reference the lack of any real respect for the horse who won the second fastest derby EVER, monarchos-he also gets ignored, and beat a much better field than what entered the gate last may. if monarchos gets ignored, why not big brown? he had his moments, but he's not worth re-hashing.

100 times?
I think the thing you are missing might be a decent hobby.

glad i'm not alone.....:D