Quote:
Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis
Who, realistically, has a shot at him? A fresh Danza from off the pace? Commanding Curve? I don't know...This is the weirdest triple crown I can remember. For the 2nd time in two weeks, nobody went after the lead except for the desperate; Social Inclusion is a head case, Bayern is proven to be a complete fraud, Kid Cruz never got the fractions and probably wasn't good enough to do anything with them any way, General Arod can't finish....on and on... Ride On Curlin was the only horse beside Cali Chrome that even resembled and graded stake-type.
It is odd... Big Brown reminded me of a standout in a poor crop; CC just leaves me empty - like I can't even believe how crappy this entire 3yo crop is. None of these "New Shooters" - fresh, with no excuses, (other than they don't belong) couldn't come close - Not taking anything away from him, and the bettors sure had it right, but I think he wins the triple crown because this may well be the worst crop of 3yos in the history of the sport.
And I hate to say that
Because it is a backhand to one of the greatest accomplishments in all of sports.
But I just can't get away from being completely uninspired by either of these two performances.
Hopefully, something shows up at Belmont and actually gives him something to deal with - an honest pace, a closer or two than can actually wants to come after a horse, something... I don't know man...When the winner of one of the worst Tampa Bay Derby's in history - who couldn't even win the pointless "Calder Derby" -rounds out your superfecta - kinda says it all.
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I think this post is a little harsh. This 3yo group may not be spectacular and was hampered with injuries (like many years) but they are far from the "worst crop of 3yos in the history of the sport". The 2008 crop was horrendous outside of Big Brown. Even with the quarter crack he was still a deserved 1/9 in the Belmont. Denis of Cork was a CLEAR second choice in there. Da'Tara won, Anak Nakal was third. That was the worst crop of three year olds in the history of the sport.
This Belmont is much stronger than you think. When 2nd through 5th skip the Preakness and point towards the Belmont, that poses a major threat to CC. They are going to be fresher and well prepared for the race. You could also argue we haven't seen the best of many of these challengers yet. Would you be surprised to see Danza or Wicked Strong improve? Danza has had just 5 career starts and is a half to a graded stakes winner over a mile and a half. Wicked Strong has had just 7 career starts, got a far less than perfect Derby trip, and is a big long striding horse meant for Belmont Park.
Throw in Tonalist who appears to be for real after his Peter Pan. The barn has been high on the horse since he broke his maiden at Gulfstream. Only 4 career starts, another hometrack advantage type, tactical speed to give Rosario plenty of options, and also looks like the longer they go the better.
Haven't even mentioned Commanding Curve or Intense Holiday. If CC is going to win the Triple Crown he's really going to have to earn it.
So before you cite the horse who ran 5th beaten 12 lengths and claim that him completing the superfecta
is why this years crop is the worst of all time maybe you should take a look at the prospective Belmont field.