Big Brown vs History?

Question

im sick of hearing that Big Brown is over rated. well since he hasnt won the belmont YET we cant fairly compare big brown with any triple crown winners, thats for sure. but we can compare him to other horses that have gone for the triple crown in recent years. out of Big Brown, Smarty Jones, Funny Cide, War Emblem, Charismatic, Real Quet and Silver Charm. whos the best, second best ? none of these horses were branded over rated at this point in their campaign. in my opinion only smarty jones would pose a challenge.

Answer 1

I don't think Big Brown is overrated.  I think he is racing against a weak field of 3 year olds and I wish we got to see what he can really do.  The triple crown races this year haven't been exactly exciting... the race is over at the top of the stretch because Big Brown already has the big easy lead.  There's no Street Sense v Curlin stretch duel.  Honestly, I hope to see a Casino Drive v Big Brown stretch duel just because I want to see what Big Brown can really do.  Big Brown has gotten the luxury of easy triple crown races this year so he'll come into the Belmont with more energy than the other recent contenders.

I think Silver Charm was a monster of a horse... he was amazing.  The Belmont was one of his rare losses.  He went on to win as a 4 year old in Dubai.  I would never dismiss him.

Answer 2

My brother is one of the people claiming Big Brown is over rated, but he's just mad because the horse keeps stealing his money.    

I agree with Judy that Big Brown's trainer and jockey are handling him right to save him up for the Belmont.  I think part of the reason people are saying he's over rated is because they don't show off with him - he could have obliterated the Preakness field but they made the right decision in letting him take it easy.

I think he looks better than the other Derby/Preakness winners that you mentioned because he's won his races with such ease.  He looked like he was out for an afternoon stroll in the Preakness.  He was somewhat more extended in the Derby, but he ran wide the whole way.  I don't think we've seen his best race yet.

Answer 3

Big Brown is as good as all resent Derby/Preakness winners you've mentioned but I'll be betting the farm on Casino Drive in the Belmont.

Answer 4

I don't believe Big Brown is overated!  Actually, I think he's the best horse I've seen to win the first two races of the Triple Crown.  I like what the jocky and trainer are doing with him. They are not letting him put in his best performance, he could have opened an even wider lead.  They're saving him for the last leg, the Belmont.  That's good planning.  And the ease with which he shifts gears and pulls away from the crowd is amazing.  I think he is the best shot I've seen to win the Triple Crown.

Answer 5

Big Brown is the best of his crop in the here and now. It is useless to compare him to winners in the past since he will never get the opportunity to compete against them.

Answer 6

Big brown is a good horse but i think he wouldent be doing this good against a stronger field

Answer 7

Well, I have to admit that I thought Big Brown was overrated before the Kentucky Derby.  I don't think that anymore.  The other night I was watching a replay of the Derby and it really struck me that he had the number 20 on his saddle blanket as he crossed the wire first.  I've never seen that before and doubt that I'll ever see that again.  

I've seen my share of weak Derby fields but nobody in my lifetime has ever won from post 20.  And to top it off he did it after only three lifetime starts.  So in my opinion that makes him the best of the Derby & Preakness winners group.