Back in action for the first time since January, the 2010 Eclipse champion sprinter Big Drama returned with an easy-as-it-looked win in the $75,000 Whippleton S. Sept. 4 at his home base of Calder Race Course (VIDEO).

Big Drama, a 5-year-old son of Montbrook, has been working steadily under the care of trainer David Fawkes for his return to the races and ultimately a possible return engagement in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1), which he won last year, at Churchill Downs.

The winner broke from the rail and was second for the run down the backstretch of the 6 1/2-furlong contest, then took over the lead under his own power on the turn and rolled home a 2 1/4-length winner in 1:17.62.

"I was relieved when they (Calder) got the race to go and we didn't have to ship (Monmouth Park for the Icecapade S.), but I'm even more relieved now, and he did it without his (left front) shoe," Fawkes said. "We think he might have lost it leaving the gate."

"I never rode this horse before, but I had the opportunity to breeze him and between that and today I can tell you what a great feeling it is to ride this him," said winning rider Daniel Centeno. "I think he was very fit today, but he needed this race to get him over the top. I appreciate and feel very fortunate to have been given the chance to ride such a special and talented racehorse.”

With the win, Big Drama is now 11-4-1 in 18 starts with earnings of $2,746,060. He is owned by his breeder Harold Queen. Fawkes indicated that Big Drama will train in Florida until flying to New York for the Grade 1 Vosburgh H. on Oct. 2 at Belmont Park.

Montbrook, a four-time champion sire in Florida, is once again near the top of the Sunshine State stallion list in 2011, with his leading earner on the year the 2-time Grade 2 winner Tackleberry.