James Scully's Morning Notes (May 1, 2008)

On this sunny and warm morning, a huge crowd was on hand to watch BIG BROWN (Boundary) blow out three furlongs in preparation for the Kentucky Derby (G1). He looked spectacular entering the track, acting cool and collected as he walked down the backside, and the exercise rider had a hard time holding him as they broke into a gallop. Big Brown was eager for some exercise and instantly accelerated when given his cue.

The bay colt cornered perfectly and finished up very strong, earning the bullet in :35 2/5, the fastest of 19 workers at the distance. He didn't want to stop on the clubhouse turn, tossing his head around as the rider tried to pull him up. It looked like a very good sign.

It's obvious that Big Brown is the horse to beat and it will be no surprise to see him in the winner's circle if he gets the trip. Blessed with an abundance of speed, he's the king, and he knows it. Don't look for him to be rating from post 20; he'll try to run 'em into the ground on the front end.

SMOOTH AIR (Smooth Jazz) was the only other worker on Thursday, breezing nearly three seconds slower than Big Brown in :38 1/5. The time isn't important; he traveled very smoothly while well within himself. Smooth Air looks sharp and fit, but distance is a question with his pedigree. However, he's perhaps the most heartwarming story in this year's field, with 70-year-old conditioner Bennie Stutts making his first Derby appearance after giving up hope of ever having a horse good enough, and it's easy to root for the little guy.

Todd Pletcher's runners, COWBOY CAL (Giant's Causeway) and MONBA (Maria's Mon), had been training at Keeneland, but they shipped in yesterday and made their first appearance this morning. Both looked sharp on video in their last workout over Polytrack, and Cowboy Cal appeared a bit tentative over the dirt at first before settling into a nice gallop. Monba, who won at Churchill last November, went well.

Big Brown has been the best-looking horse at Churchill, and his bandwagon will continue to grow over the next two days. COLONEL JOHN (Tiznow) is another top contender based on class and the way he's trained at Churchill. DENIS OF CORK (Harlan's Holiday) moves great over the track and appears to be coming to hand for David Carroll, COURT VISION (Gulch) has impressed me in the mornings. I also think the Steve Asmussen-trained duo of PYRO (Pulpit) and Z FORTUNE (Siphon [Brz]) are doing very well and merit serious respect on Saturday.

Good luck in the Derby!