Fantastic efforts by both Street Sense and Hard Spun, but the day certainly belonged to Street Sense, Calvin Borel and the Churchill Downs rail. Big props to Hard Spun for hanging on for a well-deserved second – he really stepped up just when he needed to, he had the misfortune to be born the same year as Street Sense.
I had the misfortune to only have Hard Spun in exactas with Circular Quay. Oops. I was actually surprised to see Curlin show up for third after seeing him get shuffled back near the start, and Imawildandcrazyguy in fourth – who’d have predicted that one?
Many congratulations to all the connections involved…see you at the Preakness!
I took a stand agains street sense and got blanked at the windows, myself. Street Sense was probably the best horse, but he did have a dream trip, too. Had the rail not opened up like it did, we’d be saying the same things about hard spun. nonetheless, Calvin, illiterate or not, has got to be one of the best ambassadors of the sport. shit, i’d listen to that guy just read my grocery list. i hope he gets lots and lots of face time on the national news and late night talk shows.
somebody tell jon stewart to book Borel pronto.
I agree about Borel! Seeing him and Robby Albarado goofing and shooting pool just prior to the race gave a real human face to the riders who literally risk life and limb when they go to work each day.
It was funny that when they showed Calvin and Robby Albarado playing pool, they kind of sucked at it, yet they can pilot a 1,500 lbs spooky animal at 30mph!
Great, now what do I do with that painting of Curlin?