By David Grening

updated 1:48 p.m. ET Aug. 21, 2008

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 1 1-8 mile race will serve as the final tune-up for the 3-year-old colt before the Classic, which will be held on a synthetic surface at Santa Anita on October 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 August 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 at Saratoga last September.

MORE FROM HORSE RACING

Haskell will pit Preakness winner vs. Belmont winner

Haskell will pit Preakness winner vs. Belmont winner Lawyer Ron, a champion in 2007, is euthanized Pioneerof the Nile retired with leg injury Dutrow suspended 30 days for drug violation   Video: Filly Rachel Alexandra wins Preakness thriller   Watch replay of Mine That Bird's victory Interactive: Triple Crown winners, near misses Vote: When will we see next Triple Crown winner? Equibase: Quick results from top tracks Equibase: Results ticker from top tracks   Add Horse racing headlines to your news reader: