By MIKE HUTSELL
THE EVENING NEWS AND THE TRIBUNE (JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind.)
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind
Fri, May 16 2008
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Morning line favorite Big Brown turned in a three-furlong workout on Thursday in his one final tune-up for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby 134.
Big Brown covered the three furlongs in 35.40 seconds.
Jockey Kent Desormeaux said the last thing he is concerned with was drawing the No. 20 post position on Saturday, acknowledging the fact that he rode Big Brown to victory at the Florida Derby from the far outside.
“The camp talked about it. I think it’s the perfect post for the horse after being dealt the 16 card to draw,” said Desormeaux on www.kentuckyderby.com. “For me, it works out perfect because I can catbird someone, whoever leads me into the first turn. If not, I think we talked about that, too, when the doors open I’m just going to feel it. I don’t know where I’m going to be.
“It’s just one of those things. Does pace make race? Yes, pace makes race, but my horse’s pace is where I want to set him up at. That’s just something I’m going to feel. I don’t know where it’s going to be. Big Brown will tell me where that is.”
TOUGH DAY FOR EKATI
Barclay Tagg’s Tale of Ekati had a tough time getting in a run on Thursday. During his 1 1/2 mile gallop, Tale of Ekati had to pull up due to a loose horse on the Churchill Downs track.
Tale of Ekati won the Wood Memorial in his Derby prep race.
COURT VISION WILL WEAR BLINKERS
Court Vision will wear blinkers for the first time in his career on Saturday after working out twice with them on this week.
“The blinkers haven’t made him overly nervous or anything,” trainer Bill Mott said. “If anything, he’s been more push-button — going when he’s asked. But if they were to put him into the race a little bit more early on, that would be fine.”
Mike Hutsell writes for The Evening News in Jeffersonville, Ind.
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