Big Brown favored in Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 30 (UPI) -- Florida Derby winner Big Brown was made the 3-1 morning-line favorite Wednesday for Saturday's 134th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Big Brown, to be ridden by Kent Desormeaux, will start from the outside post position when the field of 20 horses compete in the nation's top thoroughbred racing attraction.

A chance of isolated thunderstorms are forecast for the 1 1/4-mile race at Churchill Downs.

Big Brown has been raced three times and won all three by a total of 29 lengths. He was the wire-to-wire winner in the Florida Derby.

Colonel John, winner of the Santa Anita Derby, was the second choice on the morning line at 4-1. The colt will leave from post position No. 10 with Corey Nakatani aboard.

Trainer Steve Asmussen will send out two horses -- Pyro and Arkansas Derby runner-up Z Fortune.

Pyro had been an early favorite for the Kentucky Derby after capturing the Louisiana Derby. Then came a last-place finish at the Blue Grass Stakes. Pyro received odds of 6-1 and will break from the No. 9 position.