This is my problem

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by Exceller

Bernardini wins the Jim Dandy and Travers and Bernardini is going to be 3yr old of the year as long as he puts in a good showing in the BC Classic. You have to remember Bernardini could be undefeated going into the BC Classic.

COULD being the key word to that sentence. His connections did the right thing by resting him and skipping the Belmont.

[Exceller]

Originally Posted by Cajungator26

COULD being the key word to that sentence. His connections did the right thing by resting him and skipping the Belmont.

That is the point though. Some people say if he wins he still won't be 3yr old of the year. I say if he does he gets the Eclipse, if he doesn't win the two big ones at Saratoga he can't beat Barbaro without a BC Classic win. Right now I think he has as good a shot as anyone at winning the BC Classic.

[irishtrekker]

Would some of it depend, too, on who Bernardini faces the rest of the season? Seems like the Derby field was arguably a tougher field overall than the Preakness, so Barbaro might get an edge there. If Bernardini runs in races like the Travers but just keeps beating horses that Barbaro already beat, or if he wins a couple but comes in behind someone that Barbaro trounced in the Derby, then it seems like Barbaro would be hard to argue against.

So, who's most likely to rain on Bernardini's parade? I agree with people who think that Brother Derek will be back in a big way. I'm also wondering if Sweetnorthernsaint could be a threat after a rest. What do you all think?

[Betsy]

Hi guys.........first time on this board, and it's fabulous. It's nice to be able to actually talk horses - the ESPN board was a jok. Steve, this is a great set up - thanks for giving us a place to chat!

I had make my first post in response to this topic; I know it's touchy to all of the Barbaro fans out there, but I think it will be a travesty if Bernardini (using him as an example, since his Preakness was incredible and he is simply much better than the Belmont horses) wins races like the Travers and a big fall race and doesn't get the Eclipse. Oracle, I know you loved Bernardini's Preakness so I know you're unbiased when it comes to the awards, but I have to disagree with you about Barbaro not being penalized for being injured. It's not Bernardini's fault that Barbaro got injured. I'll certainly agree that the latter deserves the award if no three year old steps up and does big things, but if Bernardini does win the Jim Dandy, Travers and the Classic.....or he wins the first two and runs very well in the fall (or any combination thereof) it's simply not fair to deprive him of the Eclipse. Objectively speaking, Barbaro's record this year isn't that formidable that it can't be overcome (Florida Derby, Holy Bull, KY Derby). Bernardini's won the Withers and the Preakness, so he's one grade 1 down and he'll have his chances. His Preakness was just as good as Barbaro's Derby, objectively speaking.

I think there is way too much sentimentality going on with regards to the awards. Journalists are supposed to be objective; if Bernardini wins big the rest of the year and Barbaro still gets the Eclipse, they all ought to have their voting privleges revoked, permanently. Of course, that's a big "IF"- the races still have to be run.

FYI - I was not a big fan of Barbaro's but his breakdown was appalling and he's a special horse to be able to have even made it this far. I just wanted to let you guys know that the above is not an anti-Barbaro opinion. I admit to being a huge fan of Bernardini and I hope that fans can appreciate that here is a big, beautiful horse with the potential to be a real champion.........