Whether you choose to call it luck, destiny, karma, or even the ethereal racing luck. . .there’s plenty of instances where the “we’re number one and your horses wear army boots” attitude of a particular horse’s connections (trainers and owners) seem to be the major contributing factor to all those “sure things” that didn’t come through

Looking Back

Big Brown, War Pass, Stardom Bound: their failures as “sure things” might prove that a little humility and respect can go a long way towards pleasing the Gods of Racing. But, if arrogance gets in the way, you’re taking a chance that certain unseen but powerful forces will conspire against you. . . and cut your celebration short.

Stardom Bound:

Her incredible 5 stakes win-streak cames to an end after joining the IEAH/Dutrow Stable

Stardom Bound before the Breeder's Cup

Remember this?

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.

War Pass:

The BC Juvenile winner was an absolute “lock” to win the Tampa Bay Derby last year.He had a sizable band of well-wishers and groupies awaiting his return to the winner’s circle.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.