Belmont Stakes Brownout
June 8th 2008 03:16
Big Brown created history today by being the first horse in contention to complete the Triple Crown to finished last. But this was not the same Big Brown that treated the Kentucky Derby and Preakness fields with contempt. Even his manner was different today, with a reef and tug and fighting Kent Desormeaux for rein approaching the first turn. He settled then into his wide racing rhythm just off the speed, but this time he was obviously struggling a long way out. He just didn’t look right. Desormeaux persevered to see if the ‘turbo engine’ would kick in after a delay, after a flat spot, so he allowed his horse the time and distance to prove one way or the other if he might emerge against the flow (we all remember Bill Collins declaring: ‘and Kingston Town can’t win”). I am glad that he did finish last and not fifth or sixth. I’m glad that Desormeaux did not persevere and push for a midfield finish.
(photo: Paul Bereswill)
Big Brown came into the race with a preparation that was far from ideal. The quarter crack to the hoof and many days off the track, when fitness was to be essential. And then there is the matter of the withdrawal of his monthly steroid injection. When the perceived main (and only) rival Casino Drive was scratched on the eve of the race it did appear that Big Brown was destined to win. Rick Dutrow was his ever confident (overconfident) self when stating moments before the race that all was well and that there were no dangers. Oh yes, the winner of the Belmont Stakes was the 38/1 outsider of the field Da’Tara who led from start to finish and was eased up in the straight to win by over 5 lengths. I wonder what his tale will be? Will he be as Red Rum (defeating the champion Crisp) and go on to create his own history? Or will this just be his (one) moment and time?
Big Brown was eased up and his position behind the winner so far that it was not even charted. More than enough to eradicate the combined winning margins (39 lengths) of his previous victories. Is it enough also to take away the gloss and reputation?
A crowd of 94,476 braved the heat and humidity to see history made. As the horses raced down the home straight many had their eyes set in the opposite direction to the runaway winner and were watching Big Brown amble to the line. Watching in disbelief. The fairytale is over.
Belmont Stakes 2008:
Big Brown being eased out of the Belmont
(photo: Paul Bereswill)
Big Brown came into the race with a preparation that was far from ideal. The quarter crack to the hoof and many days off the track, when fitness was to be essential. And then there is the matter of the withdrawal of his monthly steroid injection. When the perceived main (and only) rival Casino Drive was scratched on the eve of the race it did appear that Big Brown was destined to win. Rick Dutrow was his ever confident (overconfident) self when stating moments before the race that all was well and that there were no dangers. Oh yes, the winner of the Belmont Stakes was the 38/1 outsider of the field Da’Tara who led from start to finish and was eased up in the straight to win by over 5 lengths. I wonder what his tale will be? Will he be as Red Rum (defeating the champion Crisp) and go on to create his own history? Or will this just be his (one) moment and time?
Big Brown was eased up and his position behind the winner so far that it was not even charted. More than enough to eradicate the combined winning margins (39 lengths) of his previous victories. Is it enough also to take away the gloss and reputation?
A crowd of 94,476 braved the heat and humidity to see history made. As the horses raced down the home straight many had their eyes set in the opposite direction to the runaway winner and were watching Big Brown amble to the line. Watching in disbelief. The fairytale is over.
Belmont Stakes 2008:
| 52 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
