War Pass started the year on top, but faltered badly in the Tampa Bay Derby.

Pyro inherited the lead, and has done nothing wrong this year.

Yet in the blink of an eye, Big Brown has swept by both to the fore of the Derby hopefuls by virtue of his sensational victory in the Florida Derby. Not only was it visually impressive — and from post 12 no less — but it was fast. In fact, the Beyer speed figure of 106 is the first triple-digit Beyer turned in by a Derby hopeful around two turns this year.

So now handicappers will be faced with a dilemma similar to the one faced last May — can a horse win the Run for the Roses with just three starts under his belt? Last year, it was Curlin.

Here’s hoping that win or lose on the first Saturday in May, Big Brown turns out just as good, because the entire racing world was treated to yet another brilliant performance by that superstar on Saturday as well in the Dubai World Cup.