Well yesterday's Preakness, was one of the most amazing races I've seen in a long time. Mine That Bird showed that he was no fluke, and Rachel Alexandra showed that she could run with the boys. There where several surprises and disappointments for me personally.
Surprises
Mine That Bird- I actually had him around 4th or 5th, but the way he closed, had it been a little bit longer, we would be talking about a possible Triple Crown winner. Mike Smith was an excellent replacement, which makes you wonder? Will his girlfriend Chantal Sutherland, ride Mine if Rach and Zenyatta (Who I'm starting to have doubts about even making a start this year), go in the BCC. Yes I know it's to early to think that, but can I dream?
Flying Private- Wayne Lukas was right, his Derby was a fluke. Nice job by him and good luck in the Belmont (although he will not be in my top three at all).
Big Drama- He casted himself early yesterday morning, and then freaked out in the gate AND he still finished 5th! Awesome job by him, look out for him later this year.
Payton D'Oro- You're proabley asking yourself, whose this? Well she like Rach is by Medaglia d'Oro. And she won the Black Eyed Susan which was the day before. This filly could make some noise in the Delaware Oaks, which may come up a bit on the weak side this year with the CCA Oaks the week afterwards.
Are Hank Goldberg and I related?- The answer is no, but we had the same trifecta. And well that's it.
Pioneerof the Nile- That I was actually right that he wouldn't run well. Karma sucks doesn't Mr. Zayat. ;)
Jess Jackson and Steve Asmussen- This isn't really a suprise, but I was so happy that they both thanked Hal Wiggins. That was really nice and showed that they knew how special she could be. Yes I know there are people who don't like them (I'm not a huge, huge fan of them myself, but that's a story for another day), but you gotta respect what they did.
Disappointments
Friesan Fire- Why was he in this race? That was a really bad, and thankfully he will skip the Belmont. Hopefully we see him in an easier race later this year. Maybe he was the fluke and not Mine That Bird. A better horse then we've seen in these past two races.
Musket Man- That he's not going to the Belmont. But honestly this is a good thing, he'll be fresher for the rest of the year. And who knows he could end up stealing 3yo male championship from Mine That Bird.
Take the Points- After some comments that his co-owner made a few days ago about Rach, has basically decided that I will from now on look past the owners of a horse that I love/like. With that being said, he should have been able to beat Tone It Down. Makes you wonder excactlly how good the Cali horses are really.
Pioneerof the Nile- Ah you gotta love karma, Mr. Zayat should have kept his mouth shut. I knew he wouldn't do well here, and yes I'm dispointed his proformance. With the exception of Hard Spun, 2nd place finishers from the Derby, who also ran in the Preakness, have finished uptrack. No Belmont for him either, look for him in the Secretariat later this year.
General Quarters- Sigh, another bad proformance. He maybe a G1 winner, but just a touch below the top tier.
Mani Bhavan- Oy, another last place finish for her. But then again, she was coming off a layoff and shortening up. Hopefully she can rebound, but G1 winners at 2 don't always show that form at 3.
Calvin Borel- He was almost too confident, thankfully Rach is an awesome horse and was able to gut it out. While I'm not mad at him for making those comments, I'm just disapointed. But when you think about it, confidence is the key to victory.
Stone Legacy- Yeah, two weeks off wasn't enough for her. Why was she in the Black Eyed Susan?
So even though there will not be a Triple Crown winner this year, you have to wonder. Will Rachel run in the Belmont? If she does can, Mine turn the tables on her? Will Summer Bird, Chocolate Candy, Flying Private, Luv Gov ect. crash the party. Will MDO get a nice colt to run in the race? Who will win the Acorn? Will I be at the Belmont? The last question will be answered withen the next week or so (I hope) and the Acorn on the undercard. But the rest of these questions will be answered in 3 weeks at the oldest and longest Triple Crown race. The Belmont Stakes!
Since the next few weeks are going to be somewhat light (except for next Monday's Met Mile featuring 3yo Mr. Fantasy), will be talking about some of the unknown horses in racing.
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