What can stop stardom bound from a sixth consecutive stakes win?
Apparently, being associated with Rick Dutrow and IEAH Stables
Did everyone hear that? Sounds a bit like the gods of racing have spoken yet again. Stardom Bound, winner of five stakes in a row, was purchased by IEAH stables (the Big Brown guys) prior to the race.She finished 3rd today.The evidence continues to build: The Gods of racing aren't shy when it comes to rewarding humility.Even the least superstitious of the lot cringed after they heard "foregone conclusions" over and over.
Undefeated in five career starts, Big Brown had won the Derby and Preakness with ease, just as his trainer, Rick Dutrow, had predicted. Dutrow spoke likewise before the Belmont, calling the outcome "a foregone conclusion," and dismissed the opposition as a weak group. Two days before the race he said, "I know my horse; I know the other horses. I don't see any problem." Whatever the quality of the field, it was weakened by the race-day scratch of Casino Drive, the Japan-based half brother to the previous two Belmont winners, Jazil and Rags to Riches
Watching the
Tampa Bay Derby today reminded me of the lessons learned on last year's Triple Crown Trail.War Pass was an absolute "lock" for last year's race. He had a sizable band of well-wishers and groupies awaiting his return to the winner's circle. That was enough to peeve the Gods of Racing, but at that early stage it was still a reversible error.
And then it happened. Before anyone could intervene, The owner of War Pass practically thumbed his nose at the Racing Gods.
The winning connections from the previous race, giddy with the prospect of having any sort of role in the coronation of the "next big thing" presented the owner of War Pass
their spray of victory flowers, practically declaring the speedy Zito-trained runner the winner of the race
yet to be run. I think you know what happened after that.
Following the race, the connections of the winner, Big Truck, were spiralling into that well-known malady known as Derby Fever, dropping phrases like "we're loading up our
big truck and heading to Kentucky!!"
Well, they were right about the heading to Kentucky part. I hope they had fun at the parties
Big Truck's owners had another opportunity to please the Gods this year, with Musket Man. In contrast to last year's jubilation, his connections were very careful to temper their excitement with the measured response of the "we'll see how the horse comes out of this race. . ." line, showing a marked contrast from last year, and just enough humility to keep the Gods of Racing on their side. . . for now.
Coming soon: The Gods of Racing Reward Humility
