Horse Racing Fantasy Community

The Belmont Stakes

Despite his most dangerous rival being scratched the morning of the race, and being put up against what appeared to be a less-than-stellar field, Big Brown failed to capture the Triple Crown. Da Tara went right to the lead, set some slow mid-race fractions and cruised to an easy win in the Belmont.

Unfortunately for Big Brown, he got into some trouble on the first turn and there has been some controversy about the ride he was given and whether he took to the track or not. Personally, I thought the ride he got from Desormeaux was fine. Just like Smarty Jones, he had a big target on his back. After Big Brown broke a little slow, he wasn't going to be able to beat Da Tara to the lead. Desormeaux tried to steer him towards the outside for clear sailing, rather than have him bottled up on the rail - a position the colt has rarely been in. As for pulling him up, again, I'll have to side with Desormeaux. He knew he had nothing in the tank, so why persevere on a horse who has no shot to get a check?

Big Brown should be back, barring any injuries in either the Haskell or the Travers. If he returns to form, he'll be tough for anyone to handle, including Curlin.

The True North

Benny the Bull made a successful return from Dubai with a win as the odds on favorite in the True North. Apparently, he didn't like the track at all, and still managed to win after running down Man of Danger, who was the lone speed in here. This race also marked the return of Thor's Echo, the winner of the 2006 Breeders' Cup Sprint. He hasn't been the same since shipping out to Dubai last year, but could be dangerous in this division if he returns to form.

The Manhattan

A scintillating stretch drive by several horses highlighted this race. Dancing Forever and Out of Control hit the wire together, but Better Talk Now would've been right there he had gotten a clean trip down the lane. This was a very evenly matched field, but I don't seen any of these horses in here being major players in this division later in the year. A tightly bunched field at the finish usually designates a weak field.

The Acorn

Indian Blessing returned in here off a short freshening. She got away to a pretty easy lead, but had to set some pretty quick fractions to do so. This softened her up nicely for the lightly-raced filly Zaftig. Zaftig sat a perfect stalking trip and responded when asked in the stretch. She could certainly make some noise in this division this summer. It's far too early to say whether she'll be able to face older fillies and mares, but she was certainly impressive in here.

Good luck, and thanks for reading.