All things considered, jockey Kent Desormeaux should have a great ride this Sunday when the gates fly open at the $1 Million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park. Then again, there is still some uncertainty as to why the celebrated jockey pulled up on the horse at the Belmont Stakes and finished in last place. No matter, it seems owner Michael Iavarone and trainer Rick Dutrow are letting bygones be bygones as Desormeaux was given the thumbs up to ride the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner on Sunday. By all accounts, Big Brown is in great shape and looks every bit the odds on favorite to win."We're eagerly anticipating this race," Iavarone said. "If it's possible, he's training better than he did before he won the Kentucky Derby."
Dutrow is also pleased as punch with Big Brown's performance as of late and likes the way his horse looks, too.
"He looks amazing," Dutrow said. "He's shiny, he's happy. He looks as good as he always has."
Here's the complete field of seven for Sunday's Haskell Invitational: Magical Forest, Jorge Chavez 10-1; Cool Coal Man, Eddie Castro 4-1; Alaazo, Jose Lezcano 30-1; Big Brown, Kent Desormeaux 1-2; Nistles Crunch, Elvis Trujillo 15-1; Coal Play, Joe Bravo 8-1 and Atoned, Edgar Prado 6-1
You can watch Big Brown race on Sunday as it will be shown live on ESPN Classic and ESPN News beginning at 6 p.m. (EST). And you can bet on Big Brown to win the Haskell. While you're at it, check out the latest info on the 2008 Breeders' Cup.
