2008 Kentucky Derby follow up questions

[Echo Farm]

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.

[RollerDoc]

Originally Posted by Echo Farm

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.

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.

[RollerDoc]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

But a victory for the ages? Come on...

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

[RollerDoc]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

Really? So who were the good horses he beat that day?

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

[Betsy]

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.

[31lengths]

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.

[Danzig]

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.

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

Holy bull did it his entire 3 year old season against MUCH better competition.

Mike Smith lets the bull roll!

But there is cause for Concern!

What a hero!