Monday, May 14, 2012

The Kentucky Derby (A Week Later)


They call it the greatest two minutes in sports, and this year’s Kentucky Derby almost didn’t live up to it, not because the race wasn’t brilliant, but because the running time was 2:01.
Bodemeister is undoubtedly one of the greatest horses I have seen run. Now, I admit that I haven’t been around the racing world for long; it has only been eleven years since I fell in love with the sport, but I know brilliance when I see it. Not only did Bodemeister set a blistering pace, but he held it from gate to finish. Even in defeat, he proved that we will see some great things from him in the future. I have no doubt that since he came out of the Derby well, then it is Bodemeister we will see at the wire in the Preakness.
Bodemeister Blasts Off in Arkansas Derby
Photo: Coady Photography/Oaklawn Park
Bodemeister Arkansas Derby
            Now, I should take nothing away from the winner. He ran a clean race, broke well, settled nicely, and then powered past the exhausted Bodemeister to win the Race for the Roses.  I’ll Have Another showed his grit and deserves his victory, but the three year olds this year are just too good for us to get a Triple Crown winner. Interestingly enough, despite the fact that it was I’ll Have Another at the wire, Bodemeister has received more focus. Probably because the fractions he set were some of the fastest in Derby history. Spurred on by Trinniberg, Bodemeister ran brilliantly. He is amazing and even in defeat, he is a champion. I am sure that we will see more from him in the future.
Now for some other ponies:
Dullahan’s show was another impressive run, in fact, if the race had been longer, he might have been second instead of Bodemeister, but Dullahan will be skipping the Preakness to run in the Belmont.
Hansen’s run was honestly disappointing. He was within striking distance, but didn’t have enough in him to take the lead and faded. Hansen will be skipping the Preakness and will also not run in the Belmont, opting instead for a shorter race, which is probably better for him.
Bumped at the start and squeezed back, Union Rags had a troubled run, but rallied to place ahead of Hanson. One of the favorites in the Derby, Union Rags is a good horse, but I didn’t think he could win the Derby, but it was a wide open field, too many good horses. Union Rags will also be skipping the Preakness.
In other news:
Take Charge Indy was injured in the Kentucky Derby and will be having surgery to remove a bone chip in his right front ankle.

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