Lightly raced Big Brown beefs up resume with Florida Derby victory

USA TODAY, March, 2008 by Tom Pedulla

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. -- Undefeated Big Brown must overcome a significant body of history as he prepares for the May 3 Kentucky Derby. But he also has an abundance of speed and talent working for him.

The colt emerged as a prime Kentucky Derby contender when he overcame inexperience and an unfavorable post position to dominate the $1 million Florida Derby by 5 lengths Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

Trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. could not be more excited as he looked ahead to the Derby. "I haven't seen one 3-year-old in the world who can beat Brown," he said, "and I've watched them all run."

At the same time, much can happen between now and the May 3 Derby, and the history facing Big Brown is too daunting to be ignored. No entrant has brought home the...