I didn't need replay to see the Mike Smith "left the front door open" and John Velasquez and Union Rags took advantage of it and won the Belmont by a neck. Yes I had Paynter on top only in tri's and Supers to Union Rags/Dullahan and All and All for 3rd and 4th. He is an outstanding rider, just ask Jerry and Ann Moss and John Sherriffs of Zenyatta fame, but I would have like to see him "close the door" (rail) and make UR go around. I think the best horse got beat and it does happen.
My observations for the current crop of 3 year olds isn't very impressive now that I'll Have Another has been retired and Bodemeister is waiting for Monmouth this summer.
Union Rags did not impress me as he must have all the breaks go his way to win. Had a rough trip in the Derby and didn't impress in the races leading to the Derby especially the Breeders Cup Juvy. He won't beat Bodemeister and will see if Baffert rides Smith back on him. Sounds like the owner of Paynter isn't real keen on him and I expect him to be "fired" to use a Donald Trump line!!!!
Dullahan let's face it is a Poly track specialist. Can't win on dirt and if you watch the Derby race the only thing he is closing on is a much too fast pace by Bodemeister. Also the under 46 workout earlier in the week was way to fast no matter how easily it looked. Great sprinters don't blow out like that before important races. Dale Romans, keep this horse at Keeneland or bring him out west to Golden Gate Fields or Hollywood Park but forget Santa Anita and the dirt strip there.
The Travers and Monmouth 3 year old races although have tradition won't be very exciting to this bettor, and I think you can forget any in this bunch in the Breeders Cup Classic!!!
It was too bad for I'll Have Another who would have won this Belmont with ease I believe and we would have a "Triple Crown" winner. Am sure the 85 thousand who were at Belmont, were disappointed along with track management who easilyould have predicted a crown of 100k plus maybe even 120k to witness a "Triple Crown" champion.
I'll go on record and say I'll Have Another" will easily be the three year old " Eclipse Champion" and that will have to suffice Mr. Reddam's family and trainer Doug O'Neil.
My Triple Crown record was Bodemeiser in the Derby, I'll Have Another in the Preakness and Paynter in the Belmont after the scratch of IHN!!!! Always next year.....
My observations for the current crop of 3 year olds isn't very impressive now that I'll Have Another has been retired and Bodemeister is waiting for Monmouth this summer.
Union Rags did not impress me as he must have all the breaks go his way to win. Had a rough trip in the Derby and didn't impress in the races leading to the Derby especially the Breeders Cup Juvy. He won't beat Bodemeister and will see if Baffert rides Smith back on him. Sounds like the owner of Paynter isn't real keen on him and I expect him to be "fired" to use a Donald Trump line!!!!
Dullahan let's face it is a Poly track specialist. Can't win on dirt and if you watch the Derby race the only thing he is closing on is a much too fast pace by Bodemeister. Also the under 46 workout earlier in the week was way to fast no matter how easily it looked. Great sprinters don't blow out like that before important races. Dale Romans, keep this horse at Keeneland or bring him out west to Golden Gate Fields or Hollywood Park but forget Santa Anita and the dirt strip there.
The Travers and Monmouth 3 year old races although have tradition won't be very exciting to this bettor, and I think you can forget any in this bunch in the Breeders Cup Classic!!!
It was too bad for I'll Have Another who would have won this Belmont with ease I believe and we would have a "Triple Crown" winner. Am sure the 85 thousand who were at Belmont, were disappointed along with track management who easilyould have predicted a crown of 100k plus maybe even 120k to witness a "Triple Crown" champion.
I'll go on record and say I'll Have Another" will easily be the three year old " Eclipse Champion" and that will have to suffice Mr. Reddam's family and trainer Doug O'Neil.
My Triple Crown record was Bodemeiser in the Derby, I'll Have Another in the Preakness and Paynter in the Belmont after the scratch of IHN!!!! Always next year.....
