If I could somehow see the future and know that even if they run Belmont that they would be back for the summer and fall, I would be all for them running. But recent history tells me that this is not going to be the case. Haven't u all seen Smarty, Alex, Giacomo, Jazil, Bluegrass Cat, Empire Maker, Point Given, Charismatic, Monarchos, Silver Charm, and Real Quiet? Various reasons for their not running. Some physical, some economical. I understand that but the end result is that they still did not run. I can't guarantee that skipping the Belmont would mean they would be there for the Haskell and Travers and more. But I don't like the current trend. Over the past 10 seasons, we've had 11 horses that have won at least one TC race while competing in all three races. Of those 11, eight of them failed to finish their 3yo seasons. Seven of those eight didn't run again that year after the Belmont. For a sport that's so entrenched in remembering history and jinx' and trends, I'm surprised this one isn't being looked at more.
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The real horses of the year (1986-2020)
Manila, Java Gold, Alysheba, Sunday Silence, Go for Wand, In Excess, Paseana, Kotashaan, Holy Bull, Cigar, Alphabet Soup, Formal Gold, Skip Away, Artax, Tiznow, Point Given, Azeri, Candy Ride, Smarty Jones, Ghostzapper, Invasor, Curlin, Zenyatta, Zenyatta, Goldikova, Havre de Grace, Wise Dan, Wise Dan, California Chrome, American Pharoah, Arrogate, Gun Runner, Accelerate, Maximum Security, Gamine
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