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THE MAIN ATTRACTION

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 12, 2008

As Big Brown's bid to become the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years gains momentum, the focus shifts to Pimlico and the quick turnaround before Saturday's Preakness Stakes.

With only two weeks between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, Rick Dutrow, Big Brown's trainer, repeatedly has said he is more concerned with the turnaround time than potential opposition.

During his 43/4-length romp at Churchill Downs, Big Brown easily put to rest questions about his lack of experience and having to win from the outside post position in a 20-horse race.

Now the question becomes whether the undefeated chestnut colt has what it takes to become the first Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978.

His performance at the Derby would suggest he does, as his 11/4-mile time of 2 minutes, 1.82 seconds compares favorably with the past three Triple Crown winners: Secretariat (1:592/5 in 1973; Post 10 in a 12-horse race), Seattle Slew (2:021/5 in '77; Post 4 in a 14-horse race) and Affirmed (2:011/5 in '78; Post 2 in a 10-horse race).

That said, the 13/16-mile Preakness is a different game, considering trainers usually prefer to give horses several weeks of rest after a race. Further, Big Brown has never had less than 24 days off between his first four career starts, and he will be facing all well-rested competitors since the only challenger from Churchill Downs expected at Pimlico, Recapturetheglory, is ill and won't compete.

But if Big Brown - he will be an overwhelming favorite - can become the seventh Derby winner to capture the Preakness in the past 12 years, Triple Crown hopes once again will be renewed.

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