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Originally Posted by Travis Stone
For those comparing Beyers to determine where she belong on the list of all-time greats please remember that Beyer speed figures measure speed and speed only. They do not measure heart, and they do not measure class, for which Rags to Riches has both.
It's amazing -- we see an awesome horse race, with two classy, fast and amazing individuals battle head-and-head down the stretch, and already the naysayers and dissenters are out in force about her place in history.
To me, history is winning a classic horse race. Check. (Belmont Stakes..and Oaks)
To me, history is overcoming obstacles. Check (wide-trip).
And finally, history is doing something unusual, extraordinary, out-of-the-norm..double check (A filly beats the boys, and answers a classy foes every attempt at the lead).
Is she the greatest of all time? Can't say yes or no to that, but I can say she was the greatest today.
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My wallet would have been heavier if Curlin had prevailed. I initially liked Rags to Riches from a handicapping perspective but was talked off of her. I did not have a strong opinion in the Belmont Stakes and was wishy washy. But I also liked Rags to Riches from a fans perspective. In hindsight I should have added her to my tickets, but I've learned that rooting for a horse to win because of sentimental reason and betting a horse on handicapping logic does not mix. My mistake was ignoring my initial thoughts that Rags to Riches matched up well with these horses well with the fact that she is a she a non thought.
I was in the stands today and once they got to the 1/8 pole, I realized I was about to have a birdseye view of an historical event. 102 years since a filly won this great race and I'm about to see it happen live in person. At that point the gambling aspect went out the window for me. A friend who was next to me was rooting on Tiago to close the gap. I remember grabbing him and saying we're watching history. When Rags to Riches past the finish line I had a strange feeling of delight. I looked at my arms and saw my arms covered in goosebumps. I can't ever remember a horse race ever having tha effect on me. Even races where I won significant amounts of money. The stands which were sparsely crowded for most of the day were packing and were very loud.
As far as saying she is the greatest filly of all time, I think it's like the same argument that goes on with baseball in particular but other sports as well. Comparing athetes who did not compete together in the same era is hypothetical. There is no true correct answer and it's all opinion. She's clearly head and shoulders above her generation.
Rags to Riches victory will bring positive coverage to horse racing. Emotionally people will probably to horse racing in a favorable light.
Hopefully her connections let her run for the next year at the very least.