Before the Kentucky Derby Jockey Kent Desormeaux told reporters “Big Brown was the best horse he had ever ridden.” If true, those are immense words considering Desormeaux is in the Racing Hall of Fame, won riding titles at 6 different race tracks, rode 3 Breeder’s Cup winners and earned 2 previous Kentucky Derby wins on Real Quiet (1998) and Fusaichi Pegasus (2000). Even if Big Brown isn’t the best horse Desormeaux has been on, it was that confidence in his mount that allowed him to give the perfect ride. Most jockeys could find a million ways to lose when breaking from the 20 post, but Desormeaux waited patiently, avoided traffic and made a perfectly time run for the win.

That effort resulted in only one of his 19 Derby rivals to consider taking him on when they run the 133rd edition of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May, 17. Unfortunately, 5th place finisher Recapturetheglory, came down with a fever on Friday evening and has also decided not to enter the second leg of the Triple Crown. Big Brown improved his career record to 4 wins in 4 starts, with two Grade 1 victories in the Florida and Kentucky Derbies. Since the Preakness allows 14 starters, a full field implies that Big Brown would take on 13 new challengers. Those under consideration with the most solid credentials are (in alphabetical order):

Behindatthebar Trained by Todd Pletcher and comes off a win in the Lexington Stakes (Grade 2) at Keeneland on April 19.

Harlem Rocker Also trained by Todd Pletcher, he’s the undefeated winner of the Wither Stakes (Grade 3).

Kentucky Bear Impressive maiden score resulted into a quick jump into the stakes ranks. Still maturing, but finished in third behind Monba over the Polytrack in the Blue Grass Stakes (Grade 1).

Stevil Was last seen finishing fourth behind Kentucky Derby starters Monba and Cowboy Cal in the Blue Grass (Grade 1) over the Polytrack.

Yankee Bravo Wanted to run in the Derby, but didn’t make the cut due to a lack of earnings in Graded stakes races. He enters off a fourth place finish in the Santa Anita Derby behind Kentucky Derby starters Colonel John and Bob Black Jack.

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