Dutrow unfazed by Brown berth

Ante-post favourite Big Brown must defy a welter of statistics if he is triumph from the outside draw in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.

The 10-furlong Classic has drawn a field of 20 and the Rick Dutrow-trained Big Brown will break from stall 20 after being the 16th horse to choose his position at the draw ceremony.

The Churchill Downs heat has been run with 20 or more starters 15 times, and the only winner from post 20 was Clyde Van Dusen in 1929.

However, Dutrow believes his Florida Derby winner can shrug off the perceived disadvantage.

He said: “We have a pretty quick horse out of the gate. He gets to be loaded last, and it doesn’t seem that when you’re breaking from the outside that you’re going to be looking for trouble.

“We’re actually kind of glad. I’d actually rather have this post than a lot of others. It might be too far out there but we’re willing to accept that challenge,” he told www.thoroughbredtimes.com.

The well-fancied Colonel John will start from stall 10, while other leading lights include Pyro (nine), Court Vision (four) and Monba (14).

Eight Belles, the only filly in the race, will race from stall five as she bids to become the first of the fairer sex to triumph since Winning Colours in 1988.