I expected to read more about Eight Belles than Big Brown in the blogs this morning and I was not surprised but the lack of enthusiasm for Big Brown, the horse not the trainer, is curious and disappointing. Do not let your disdain for Dutrow blind you to the brilliance of this colt.
What we saw yesterday was historic assuming this is not 1968 all over again. We have, in my opinion, seen one of the greatest horses to ever look through a bridle. For this colt to equal Regret's and Clyde Van Dusen's accomplishments in an age where 40,000 foals are born each year is nothing short of incredible. Is this a weak crop? In my opinion undoubtedly yes and forgive me for saying this but the fact that the gallant filly Eight Belles finished second confirms it, if you distain Dutrow, save some of your distain for the greedy Porter and Jones who threw a very good grade two winning filly to the wolves.
So drink your Kool-Aid like I did bloggers and enjoy the ride, you may just see something that has not been done since 1978.
A horse racing blog written by an overly enthusiastic fan whose mantra is alternative content.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Sour Grapes Kool-Aid
Posted by John at Sunday, May 04, 2008
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9 comments:
Yes! Congrats to Big Brown! I could not get over his run yesterday. I had the same reaction to the Florida Derby -thinking the entire time "there's no way he can keep this up"! But dang! He did!!
What a run! What a horse!
Give us time darling... I'm still not ready to think about Big Brown the horse vs. Big Brown the implication.
Also, I'm not subscribing to the notion that Eight Belles "was thrown to the wolves", she ran huge and her accident could have just as easily happened in the Oaks.
But hats off to you for sticking with your guns re: Big Brown!
I want to start really rooting for Big Brown, but with his trainer's record I think I'll always have a little doubt at the back of my mind that he's been juiced up.
I don't see it yet. He had a great race, but do you really think this horse is better than Curlin ? Even after winning the preakness, Curlin could not pull out the Belmont. Why do you think Big Brown can? I understand the excitement about the Triple Crown, and I know the 3 yr old bunch is kinda weak this year- but winning all 3 legs, including a very tough Belmont is not a given with this horse.
Wish I could get over Dutrow, John...but not yet, maybe not ever. Never got there with Curlin, either. Monster horses from two of the biggest cheaters in the game--what's to celebrate?
I'm glad you're happy, though!
Thanks for the feedback everyone but I would like to say to SaratogaSpa that I think BB is uniquely positioned to win the triple crown this year just because the crop is weak.
I am not taking anything away from BB by saying that but I don't see any colt who ran in or skipped the Derby as a threat.
He will only get better while the rest will tail off. It's weird but only having three starts prior to the Derby might actually be the reason this colt wins the Triple Crown.
okay, I have been away a long time but I always lurk during keeneland and the triple crown. I am also a huge Philly Flyers fan and I used to play hockey in my younger days so I am throwing out your hockey comments just like I threw out Pyro's Bluegrass and yes that cost me some $$, but I did have the 20,5 exacta box so $140 helped cover my other stupid bets and yes that even included Monba...anyway, just wondering if Poly might have helped but from what I hear of the accident, Eight Belles tore ligaments that left no support on her ankles and when she stopped her momentum snapped both ankles. This according to a source who was at the derby. They said she was in tremendous pain so she was put down in the span of 5 min. Not really anything that would have prevented this tragedy. These magnificent animals at the peak of their training and those that have heart, give their all and sometimes the result is injury and unfortunately for thoroughbreds, a severe leg injury in an animal born to run simply can't be overcome in spite of our technology in veterinary medicine. I still marvel at the spectacle of 20 horses charging from the gate and just how impressive Big Brown was coming from the 20 spot...he probably ran an extra 1/8 mile and still crushed the field. Given the somewhat weak 3 y/o crop, I can see him winning the Preakness easily and then leaving everyone to speculate on whether he can go the distance in the Belmont. I sure hope so because this sport needs a hero and a triple crown winner would do it. Obviously when the Kentucky Derby is relegated to the bottom of the sports page (even with the Flyers being a big story from last place last season to playing in the conference finals) there is a problem there. Thanks for the post , John.
I think you make some great points here. Big Brown should waltz to the Triple Crown, but the Belmont will be the biggest test. The Preakness is a lock.
I don't think he's on par with Curlin quite yet, and he'll definitely benefit from facing the weakest crop of 3 year olds in recent memory.
The only part I disagree with is the bit about throwing Eight Belles to the wolves. That was a freak injury to me and could not have been expected. She made it - and proved she belonged. Just a shame what happened at the end. And of course, since it happened on the national stage, now it gives all the people that think we are mindless idiots for liking horse racing a great chance to thumb their noses at us - which believe me, they are doing with wreckless abandon. The pall still has a long way to lift.
I agree with you John. The talent is at best inconsistant. If Big Brown wants competition he will find it in Curlin at the Breeder's Cup Classic at Santa Anita, synthetic and all, no excuses. I will not be impressed if BB is a Triple Crown winner, but alas he shall be retired by the Fall anyway.
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