Just Horsing Around...

If I hear another sports radio personality or other member of the media say Rachel AlexanDER I'm going to bang my head against my steering wheel. I was going to say "shoot myself" but that hardly seems justifiable. Anyway, just so I can get this off my chest to all those listening, it's Rachel AlexanDRA! After all, she is a girl!

Okay, now that I just lowered my blood pressure by issuing that statement, I'll opine about the Triple Crown trail - well, I guess it's not a trail anymore since no Triple Crown is at stake in the Belmont. However, it has still maintained a high viewing priority - at least for me.

Derby:

I'd be lying out of both sides of my mouth if I were to say I had anything to do with Mine That Bird as I evaluated my picks. The object of my affection for 135 was Frisean Fire, Pioneerof The Nile and Papa Clem. Two out of three were in the hunt, the other is still running. Oh well. Such is life when you're trying to make sense of 19 horses I guess.

Nonetheless, Mine That Bird and Calvin Borel made a huge move at the top of the stretch that was certainly deserving of the victory. That horse obvioulsy had another gear that made it appear that everyone else was simply standing still. Kudos. Great kick. Great ride. For Borel to have the nuggets to slip through that sliver of space on the rail and motor home to the finish line was impressive. However, when I looked back at my program after the race, I hardly felt like I missed an elelment of Mine That Bird's racing history that would have told me he was sitting on that kind of performance - wasn't alone on that sentiment either.

The Derby is a great spectacle and although my interest in horse racing wanes at other times of the year, I always love the pomp and circumstance, as well as the buzz, that is created in Louisville around the first Saturday in May.

Preakness:

Rachel Alexandra was the class of the field and she proved it. Calvin Borel had a decision to make (riding the Derby winner or riding the Oaks winner) and he made the right one by taking Rachel's reins. In the world of tough decisions to make, that's one that you'd like to be faced with. Which brings about a very interesting plot to the whole Triple Crown trail. Who in the world would think that the Derby winner would have three different jockies for the Derby, Preakness and Belmont. However, it seems likely this is what will happen. Unbelievable!

Can you imagine the quagmire: Hey, we have a Derby winner and need a jocky. You interested? Nah...

As impressive as Rachel Alexandra was in her wire-to-wire victory, Mine That Bird's performance was every bit as impressive. For a horse that everyone thought was a flash in the pan, his gutsy effort was more than a mere validation of his Derby victory. Had the race been the mile and a quarter that the Derby is, he probably would have won the second leg as well. However, it wasn't. So, he didn't. Still, he had another hard charging performance that only lacked the same real estate along the rail. Nonetheless, he was game all the way!

Another interesting comment that I heard about the Preakness is that there was no strategy or decision for Borel to make during the race since Rachel was the class of the field and lead wire to wire. Bullshit. Pardon my French. Breaking from the 13 hole, he had to guide his horse into position while steering clear of the danger that presents itself as the field approaches the first turn. The pace was another factor to feel out. The fractions were quick and, as a jockey, you have to (a) have a feel for it and (b) understand what that might mean for your horse's ability to finish. As well, once the race enters the top of the stretch, you have to gauge (a) what you have left underneath you and (b) be mindful of who's coming up from behind. Granted, Borel didn't have to seize an opportunity along the rail as he did in the Derby, but it was still a tactical ride that requires more skill than simply mounting the horse.

Even though a Triple Crown isn't at stake as we head toward the Belmont, there are still plenty of exciting storylines to play out. I think Mine That Bird is suited perfectly for the Belmont distance and think the owners of Rachel Alexandra should strongly consider skipping the race. Not because she couldn't win it, just not sure it is in the best interest of the horse - but what do I know. However, if they chose to run Ms. Alexandra, it should be another scintilating race.

Can't wait!