Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlinsky
Since Nafzger had said he'd rather not but would talk to the owner, does that say to you that Tafel might be leaning towards it or at least seriously considering it? He might think, and I'd agree with him here, that Street Sense was actually not beaten by another horse in the Preakness...he beat himself plain and simple and it's his own darn fault. Wasn't it Haskin that said you apparently can't tell which Street Sense is gonna show up, the one that blows them away by 10 or the one that hangs and starts taking up when he gets a little bored in front?
I'd get really frustrated though if he went in and won by daylight. We'd have lost the TC by a head. That's why I've got mixed feelings about this. The thing is, if Carl thinks he can point to a race and win with this horse, he can. Of course I don't wasnt this to be like Unbridled where there's no stakes win post-TC until the Classic (that's what I read anyway). I think it all depends on where Tafel feels he'll get the most satisfaction with a win. Should he not enter the Belmont and Curlin runs and wins, he has to win the Classic for sure, probably facing Invasor and Curlin, to get HOY. If Tafel wants that title, that to me dictates where he goes next---whatever will get him there. They were anxious for the 2yo title last time (even though we all knew the votes would come). I bet they want HOY and are planning the best course to get it.
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If Street Sense doesn't end up in the Belmont, it is a huge pity: let's hope the owner wins out on this one. The Belmont or the Classic, as if it is either/or? Heck, they are four months apart! Time we got us a racing commissioner who starts calling the owners and putting the pressure on. Street Sense is a strong, physically capable colt. If he's physically fit and doesn't go, it's a big shame. If we want a real Eclipse 3 YO champ, we need to see a Belmont with the top 3...if not, the whole thing just lacks meaning...