Big Brown to prep on grass

Associated Press - xxxg@herald-leader.com

OCEANPORT, N.J. — Big Brown is heading back to the grass in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner will run in the Monmouth Stakes on Sept. 13, his first start on grass since breaking his maiden at Saratoga last year.

Big Brown co-owner Michael Iavarone said the 11⁄8-mile race will serve as the final tuneup for the 3-year-old colt before the Classic, which will be held on a synthetic surface at Santa Anita on Oct. 25.

Monmouth bumped the purse from $200,000 to $500,000 to lure Big Brown to the race against horses 3-and-up.

Big Brown is coming off a gritty victory in the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth on Aug. 3 and has won six of his seven career starts.

Big Brown dominated his only other start on grass, winning his first career start by 11¼ lengths at Saratoga last September.

Horsemen, tracks at odds

CINCINNATI — Ohio horse owners and the state’s three thoroughbred racetracks appear headed for a showdown when the Ohio Racing Commission meets at River Downs Thursday.

The parties haven’t been able to reach an agreement on a new contract on how race revenues should be split.

The owners have sued for a larger share of the money. The tracks have indicated they will offer fewer racing dates next year.

The commission also is expected to deal with a complaint from Ohio owners that out-of-state horses have been fraudulently entered in races meant only for those registered in Ohio.

Wait a While wins at Spa

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Wait a While won the $200,000 Ballston Spa Handicap for fillies and mares for the second straight year Thursday on the turf course at Saratoga Race Course.

John Velazquez rode the Todd Pletcher-trained 5-year-old mare, which ran 11⁄16 miles in 1:39.70 for her second win in three starts this year and third career victory in four starts at Saratoga.