Can he do it?

[Danzig]

Would like to see him do it...he can do it...but so many have been in this spot and failed,hard to get my hopes up. He's my first big hope since smarty, have said that before.
I hope all gos well these next few weeks.

[Arletta]

Originally Posted by Danzig

Would like to see him do it...he can do it...but so many have been in this spot and failed,hard to get my hopes up. He's my first big hope since smarty, have said that before.
I hope all gos well these next few weeks.

Same here. I lost a lot of faith when Smarty lost. Really, really hoping along with most everyone, but the hurt won't be there like it was with Smarty should he lose.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Arletta

Same here. I lost a lot of faith when Smarty lost. Really, really hoping along with most everyone, but the hurt won't be there like it was with Smarty should he lose.

I think cc has a better jock.

After seeing the bid fail, I know there's no sure thing.

[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.

[Arletta]

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 rounds out your superfecta - kinda says it all.

Fine work

[Thunder Gulch]

Sure he can, but I think he is much less likely than I had rated the likes of I'll Have Another, Smarty Jones, Big Brown and others. To me this is more like a Funny Cide or War Emblem type attempt. A very good horse at the right time, but it doesn't feel like a great one to me.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Thunder Gulch

Sure he can, but I think he is much less likely than I had rated the likes of I'll Have Another, Smarty Jones, Big Brown and others. To me this is more like a Funny Cide or War Emblem type attempt. A very good horse at the right time, but it doesn't feel like a great one to me.

See, I actually rate him above most of them. He did well out west, won better races then, say, the Ill. Derby. Seems far more tractable than war emblem and funny cide. Didn't care for the folks surrounding big brown, and to a degree, I'll have another. The only one of those you mention that I thought really had a shot was smarty...and I think cc has a much better rider than sj had.

But, like I said, I've seen some damn good horsesncome this far and not do it. I wouldn't bet a plugged nickel that chrome will. It I'd like to see it happen.

Great story, small time owners, trainer who has worked in the industry for decades, and isn't a super trainer...a humble dam, a cheap stud fee...its something all of us on here dream of doing, finding that special horse...and playing the game at a top level without having to be rich as Croesus.

[casp0555]

Originally Posted by Danzig

See, I actually rate him above most of them. He did well out west, won better races then, say, the Ill. Derby. Seems far more tractable than war emblem and funny cide. Didn't care for the folks surrounding big brown, and to a degree, I'll have another. The only one of those you mention that I thought really had a shot was smarty...and I think cc has a much better rider than sj had.

But, like I said, I've seen some damn good horsesncome this far and not do it. I wouldn't bet a plugged nickel that chrome will. It I'd like to see it happen.

Great story, small time owners, trainer who has worked in the industry for decades, and isn't a super trainer...a humble dam, a cheap stud fee...its something all of us on here dream of doing, finding that special horse...and playing the game at a top level without having to be rich as Croesus.

It will be good for the game.....I have people at work , neighbors asking me who I like, If the Cali horse will win the TC.....it would be good for the game

[iamthelurker]

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.

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.