I was 2 months old when Affirmed out-gamed Alydar in the 1978 Belmont, so technically, there has been a Triple Crown winner in my lifetime. I was a smidge young at the time to remember that though, and therefore I am (once again) quite excited about the Belmont two weeks from now. Could this really be the year?
Across horse racing fandom, opinions are mixed, but a surprising number of them are negative regarding Big Brown's chances. I have seen thoughts from people who just think he can’t get a mile and a half but wish him well to those who hope he doesn’t win because he isn’t worthy. Even many turf writers and racing pundits are downplaying his achievements. It only seems to be the horsemen, especially those left in Brown’s wake, who respect him and what he’s done. Poor horse. He has tackled everything thrown at him thus far---quarter cracks, wide trips, distance, far outside posts, traffic, running off the pace, and so on.
I personally think that Brown has a great chance at Belmont in two weeks. Provided he gets a good clean start, that high cruising speed of his will hopefully carry him the first mile and a quarter. Then Kent D can “hit the button” at the quarter pole and let Brown accelerate right on down the stretch. Fingers crossed. Thirty years is a long time to wait.
As for the naysayers who think Big Brown is unworthy to wear the crown, I have to say that while he may not be Secretariat or Citation, there is no shame in being the next Sir Barton or Omaha. A horse doesn’t have to be an all-time great to win the crown, only the best (and maybe luckiest) horse on three days in his three year-old season, and that is no mean feat. Many greats haven’t been able to do it despite being deemed worthy. Yes, the horses he has beaten have not all been wildly talented or accomplished, but Brown can only beat the ones that turn up. I’m afraid I have accused Curlin of the same thing, and I can only say that he, like Brown, is a very good horse, but not yet a great one.
I have heard others hoping that Brown won’t win because he is unlikely to run at four, and a rumor seems to be spreading that he won’t even run after the Belmont. I am very disappointed he won’t run at four, but then again, neither did Secretariat. Brown’s connections have at least said that they’re aiming for the Travers and Breeders Cup after the Belmont, and potentially he will face off against Curlin in the latter, so there is some hope he will finish out the year.
Whatever the case, Brown will stand at Three Chimneys when his career is over, and that is an encouraging thought. Three Chimneys is fan-friendly, and best of all, they ride most of their stallions to keep them fit. If he wins the Belmont, I imagine Brown will live out his days there, regardless of his success as a stallion. If not, he may end up in one of the regional markets in a few years’ time. Boundary has produced a number of useful offspring on the track, and Brown is far and away the best of them, but as a sire of sires, Boundary has done little to show for himself. Brown may buck that trend, too, and be a sensational sire, but I’m not holding my breath, much as I like him. I still think it’s a crying shame to retire a horse with so much ability and potential early, especially when his pedigree is less than fashionable, but IEAH makes no bones about the point of their enterprise---making money. We have to take what we can get in the end.
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I'm a little puzzled too about some of the knocks on Big Brown. But then some folks wouldn't know a champion if they tripped over one.
Secretariat's Belmont, emblazoned his talent in everyone's head. The 32 length victory was an apt metaphor for how far he was from his competition. (at least that day) Perhaps when and if Big Brown easily romps in the Belmont some of the cynics will be converts.
As you know, some of the pundits and writers need to be contrary. It's what they do. Too bad, but it can't be helped.
Most of the questions about how talented this crop of 3 year olds really is are ridiculous or ill advised, at best. Fortunately, many of them will have great careers as 4 year olds and beyond.
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