Network Effect hints at major sprint potential in Big Drama

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Chad Brown is still awaiting word from New York Racing Association officials on when he can return his powerful stable to New York for the remainder of the season. But before he leaves South Florida, Brown got a significant performance from Network Effect, who could be a force to reckon with in the sprint division. Network Effect registered an impressive two-length decision in Saturday’s $100,000 Big Drama Stakes.

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Network Effect was facing Florida-breds for the first time in the seven-furlong Big Drama, and his victory did not come without a few anxious moments when the son of Mark Valeski got shuffled back to fifth along the inside as the field approached the quarter pole. But jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. had total confidence in his horse, never panicked, and when the rail opened in early stretch Network Effect asserted his class edge, readily running away from runner-up Noble Drama before galloping out with big energy past the wire. The 96 Beyer Speed Figure that Network Effect received was a career best.

The Big Drama was the second local start this spring for Network Effect, who finished second following a bit of an eventful start behind the pacesetting winner Wind of Change going a mile on March 28. Network Effect came to South Florida as a potential Kentucky Derby contender last winter off second-place finishes at 2 in the Nashua and Remsen, only to be sent to the sidelines by Brown in February 2019 due to a minor injury.

“I was very pleased with his race on Saturday,” Brown said. “I plan on keeping him in one-turn races this year, although I have nothing specific picked out yet for his next start.”