After beating Coal Play to win the Haskell, Big Brown started looking like the old guy again. It made that dismal Belmont drift from memory.

He took down the $500,000 Monmouth Stakes as he dictated the pace. He displayed the early speed he once did in his career. He faced older horses for the first time, and did it on the weeds. Not a bad day at work…..

At the top of the lane two pouncing giants Proudinsky and Shakis both had their chance to “hook and cook him.” The fractions were right, and the stage was set. But there would be NO getting by B.B on this day. They could have went around another time and he would have still held them at bay. They call that heart. Look it up in the dictionary, and you’ll see Big Brown.

The next 40 days should be a heck of a lot of fun. Dutrow talking smack, IEAH stables brimming with confidence, and the talk of his final hurrah. Sounds like good stuff to me. I surely won’t miss this chance.

All along, Curlin looked to be sized up for the crown. He still may, but he is going to have to overcome the B.B. Express. Curlin doesn’t like synthetic tracks, and at Santa Anita, they now have Pro-Ride. From the mouth of every trainer worth his salt, I have heard that synthetic is like running on the turf. If you missed the Monmouth Stakes, it was run on the turf. This is setting up to be one beautiful day. Two champions locking horns for the last time in their careers. This should be more than anyone anticipated. If this race pans out, it will be talked about for ages. The game can sure use a runner to capture our hearts again. Mark your calendar…..