Big Brown takes Florida Derby

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla., April 6 (UPI) -- Unbeaten Big Brown polished his resume as a Kentucky Derby contender Saturday, taking the $1 million Florida Derby by five lengths at Gulfstream Park.

Big Brown, ridden by Kent Desormeaux, overcame inexperience and an unfavorable post position to draw effusive praise from his trainer, Richard Dutrow Jr., USA Today reported.

"I haven't seen one 3-year-old in the world who can beat Brown," he said, "and I've watched them all run."

Big Brown won a turf race by 12 ¾ lengths at Saratoga in September, and then posted another 12 ¾-length victory in an allowance race at Gulfstream March 5.

Smooth Air placed in the Florida Derby, 7 ½ lengths ahead of Tomcito.