Very Mixed Feelings

[Danzig]

i would never say i hate the horse, but i am ambivalent about what he's doing, and on the cusp of doing. hard to have much excitement build over a horse who has made five starts ever-today being the third time i've seen him run. we all know this is a lackluster group, with big brown the only bright spot thus far-so you have to wonder if part of why he looks good is that everyone else is so bad. keep in mind that eight belles is one of only five fillies to ever finish first or second in the derby, and she finished second pretty handily.
i also find myself quite uninspired about a horse who will most likely have six career starts, as i believe that win or lose, the belmont will be his finale. whether it's grand or not, i don't know.
people seem to think that a horse winning the triple crown will somehow give this sport a boost-i think the chasing of the cup is more of a boost. once it's won (if and when) then the next years' attempt won't be nearly as enthralling for many.

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by Danzig

i would never say i hate the horse, but i am ambivalent about what he's doing, and on the cusp of doing. hard to have much excitement build over a horse who has made five starts ever-today being the third time i've seen him run. we all know this is a lackluster group, with big brown the only bright spot thus far-so you have to wonder if part of why he looks good is that everyone else is so bad. keep in mind that eight belles is one of only five fillies to ever finish first or second in the derby, and she finished second pretty handily.
i also find myself quite uninspired about a horse who will most likely have six career starts, as i believe that win or lose, the belmont will be his finale. whether it's grand or not, i don't know.
people seem to think that a horse winning the triple crown will somehow give this sport a boost-i think the chasing of the cup is more of a boost. once it's won (if and when) then the next years' attempt won't be nearly as enthralling for many.

With BB this year and Curlin last year, I wonder if this will be a new tactic leading/training up to the derby.
As far as a boost to the sport, I personally don't think that there will be one. BB will have his 15 minutes of fame with mainstream America and then the next time they will bet a race will be next years derby.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

With BB this year and Curlin last year, I wonder if this will be a new tactic leading/training up to the derby.
As far as a boost to the sport, I personally don't think that there will be one. BB will have his 15 minutes of fame with mainstream America and then the next time they will bet a race will be next years derby.

which is exactly what i don't want to see happen.

[MaTH716]

Let me ask a hypothetical question. Everyone pretty much thought that this was a very mediocre (that still a stretch) group of 3-year olds. But it seemed that there were a handful of ok/good horses. Do you think people's perception of BB would be different if say Pyro and Colonel John ran well in the Derby? What if War Pass didn't get hurt and BB was able to beat him in both races so far? It just seems that every other horse has bombed except BB.

[ELA]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

Let me ask a hypothetical question. Everyone pretty much thought that this was a very mediocre (that still a stretch) group of 3-year olds. But it seemed that there were a handful of ok/good horses. Do you think people's perception of BB would be different if say Pyro and Colonel John ran well in the Derby? What if War Pass didn't get hurt and BB was able to beat him in both races so far? It just seems that every other horse has bombed except BB.

It doesn't matter, for numerous reasons. First, many people will not look past the trainer. They never will. Dutrow attracts criticism. He also attracts animosity, and it seems outright hatred. There is no doubt that his past is checkered with problems, and apparently his present as well. He is easily a target -- both personally and professionally.

Second, the owners of this horse attract the very same thing. Whether it's the suits, sunglasses, or perceived arrogance, doesn't matter. Third, the moving bar will keep moving, and whatever he doesn't do will be the bar for greatness, comparison to the greats, etc.

The best horse won the FL Derby, the KY derby and now the Preakness -- but in the "court" of the public, perception or otherwise, it appears this horse will never be accepted, respected, etc. by the masses. I don't know if this forum is reflective of the masses, but if it is, just read all the threads. There is why it doesn't matter.

Eric