Sat Mar 29 18:58:27 2008

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Big Brown does great job in Florida Derby

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Hallandale Beach, FL (Sports Network) - Post-time favorite Big Brown blew the field away to capture Saturday's $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. The time for the 1 1/8 mile race was 1:48.16.

Trained by Rick Dutrow, Jr., Big Brown broke sharply from the far outside post in the 12 horse field. He quickly took the lead on the clubhouse turn. Pressing the early pace was Fierce Wind and Nistle's Crunch.

The 3-2 favorite continued up the backstretch on the lead as Fierce Wind began to back-up and Nistle's Crunch took over second with Face the Cat third and Elysium Fields in fourth.

Under jockey Kent Desormeaux, Big Brown increased his lead coming out of the final turn as Smooth Air moved into second place. Big Brown went on to finish five lengths ahead of Smooth Air at the wire with Tomcito finishing third.

Completing the order of finish was Hey Byrn, Cool Gator, Majestic Warrior, Nistle's Crunch, Face the Cat, Da' Tara, Fierce Wind, Elysium Fields and B B Frank.

Owned by IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr., Big Brown pockets $600,000 and remains undefeated in three career starts. He has earnings of $662,700 and has won his three races by a total of 29 lengths.

The Florida Derby victory capped an outstanding Saturday for Dutrow. Earlier in Dubai he picked up wins in the $1 million Godolphins Mile with Diamond Stripes and Benny the Bull rallied to win the $2 million Golden Shaheen.

"I can't explain it right now," said Dutrow after watching both Dubai races from Gulfstream. "I'm on cloud nine."

Big Brown returned $5.00, $3.80 and $3.20. Smooth Air paid $12.60 and $7.60, and Tomcito paid $6.20 to show.

Two years ago Barbaro followed his close win in the Florida Derby with an impressive victory in the Kentucky Derby.