Quote:
Originally Posted by miraja2
I voted for '89. You just can't beat those two colts in my mind.
It is a good idea for a poll, but 2009's inclusion as an option over 2003 surprised me a bit. I much preferred the battles of Funny Cide, Empire Maker, and Peace Rules over watching Mine that Bird splash his way past a bunch of a goats, and then watching a mediocre Summer Bird beating a bunch of even slower goats 5 weeks later.
|
I was torn when I made the poll because I wanted to put 2003 or 2009. The only reason I chose to put 2009 over 2003 is because 2009 was a very strange and unforgettable year. You had Mine That Bird's 50-1 upset. Perhaps the biggest upset in the history of the Derby when you consider he should really have been 2000 to 1. I think people were looking for a long shot and bet him down but I do not know any real handicapper who honestly would have given him a chance in hell to have won. If he had not been in the Derby no one on planet earth would have said about Mine that Bird "what if he had been in the derby what a shame. He really had a shot".
Than you have the story of Calvin Borel. After giving one of the most replayed and impressive rides in Derby history and winning on a long shot Borel suddenly becomes a media sensation. He's all of the place. Talk shows, etc. And than he gets on another horse to ride the preakness. A precedent. He wins the preakness with a filly (Rachel Alexandra). Mine that Bird places in the preakness and gets a little respect. This causes people to say wow. If not for the filly Mine that bird would have attempted a triple crown this year. No one thought he'd win the Derby let alone have the ability to place in the preakness. I admit that the Belmont was a let down after the first two legs of the triple crown last year. But it was interesting to see Kent Desormeaux (like him or hate him) finally win a belmont. And it was fun to watch Calvin attempt the first Jockey triple crown. Also, after beating smarty Jones, Birdstone (that years upset horse) stamps himself a place in history for siring two horses in one crop that won triple crown races. An incredible feat. Haskin said you could write a book on this triple crown.
Now I am a huge fan of Funny Cide's 2003 triple crown year. I just love his story. He had a Smarty Jones affect on so many people. He made many non-fans love the game and it was very emotionally investing watching him go for the crown. Plus you had a great "bad guy" horse in Empire Maker. Funny Cide also had controversy after the derby with the hole "what was in his jockeys hand" thing. And than you had the owners of the horse following Funny Cide around in a school bus. And the whole country loved there story alone. Yeah, it was a great year for racing. And if I had more choices to put in my poll believe me it would have been on there.
I loved 2003 but 2009 was quiet a series too. If I had more choices on my poll it would be up there. But I have to say 2009 was pretty fun too.