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But they're on the way to the paddock for the Preakness....
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Two weeks between races is outrageously tough on the horses. I do not approve.
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I still like Oxbow.
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Oxbow wins it easily.
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Just heard Stevens admit he blew the Derby by pushing Oxbow too much at the start. No shit, Sherlock. Since none of the replays I could find were close-up enough for me to check my impressions, I can't point to where I thought I saw him hauling on him, but, definitely, especially if he was running honest the rest of the way, that determination to deny the competition the rail at the start was a major monster stupid move.
I was worrying they were going to try to throw the races to get a Triple Crown winner. Racing needs it badly to rekindle enthusiasm for the sport. And if Stevens hadn't done that stupid move in the Derby we might be two thirds the way to it right now.
So. Today, my ESP won and my computer mind lost... which is how it should be.
Oxbow is a great colt. Fitness. Talent. Speed. And the all-important personality.
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Now the endurance part kicks in for real. Belmont is on 8th June. Three races in five weeks. That's a darn tough schedule for any horse and you start to see why the Triple Crown is such a bitch. I was griping about how many Triple Crown winners we were having years ago, like it wasn't the huge hairy deal that it is, but, well, I'm ready for another one now... and I'm chuffed it isn't going to be Oxbow.
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