Curlin vs. Big Brown

Well, here it is the first official week of breeding for 2009, and of course, Curlin and Big Brown are the two that everyone is fighting over and it is quite understandable. But, which one is actually the better sire? Let’s take a quick look at both of these champions and see if we can figure it out.

Curlin definitely had the longer career due to a better physical build than Big Brown. Now before all of you get on my case for saying that, I am only implying that due to Big Brown’s foot issues he is not as physically able to withstand the rigors of constant racing. Big Brown had already proven this was an issue way before the ever ran in the Kentucky Derby. It would also lead to his failure to compete against Curlin in the 2008 breeder’s cup. And even though both horses can be traced back to Native Dancer, I believe the appearance of Native Dancer more than once in Big Brown’s pedigree could actually be the cause of his foot problems considering Native Dancer lost his life due to laminitis.

Another issue that needs to be looked at when comparing these two is their SP ratings. While Big Brown had some very impressive wins, it has been stated by many that he was never truly challenged by another great horse. Looking at is SP the ratings is a very good indicator that this summation is true. Big Brown’s fastest SP rating was 109 in the Kentucky Derby. All of his other races, with the exception of the Belmont, he averaged between 100 and 105. Curlin, on the other hand, reached a top speed of 119 and slowest SP of 110, which is still faster than Big Brown fastest. This tells me that if these two were put head to head Curlin would leave Big Brown in the dust.

Just looking at these two facts alone, to me it’s really a no-brainer. No disrespect to Big Brown and all of his followers, especially since I am sure at some point in time I will have one of his foals in my stables, I have to say that my first choice would be Curlin. He is no doubt a great racehorse with a pedigree to back up all of his success. Big Brown’s pedigree is impressive especially since I am a huge Danzig fan but I just can’t get past the foot problems and the appearance of Native Dancer more than once in his bloodlines. If Big Brown had been more sound than I believe it would be a lot harder to choose. But I have to worry if he will pass these genetic faults to his foals.

So, there you have it. I guess I had better go and wait for the angry mob of Big Brown followers. Good luck everyone and happy racing in 2009.