JC / Railbird

Let the high blog traffic continue!

Posted by dana on May 17, 2008 @ 8:10 pm

My sidekick Andy Beyer wasn’t exactly doling out praise after Big Brown’s performance, but, to me, this is clearly a superior animal, regardless of the class of competition. Check that: 3-year-old competition. Andy makes the point in his expert and speedily written column in today’s Washington Post, but I’ll make it myself …
The Three Chimney’s stud announcement was withheld until after the Preakness, most likely because some of the particulars hinged on a victory. My other friend Andy — the unknown but great horse wagerer Action Andy — believes, and I agree, that if Big Brown wins the Belmont he never will race again. The Dubai gang bought and retired our handicap division (They are such great sportsmen, as Kiaran always says), but Curlin remains, and for Big Brown not to take on older, and preferably the best horse in the country (world) is an abdication of responsbility — whether it is written in law or not — to the sport of horse racing.
Big Brown, say hello to Point Given, Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones. — J.S.

Posted by John S. on May 18, 2008 @ 12:53 pm

One other brief comment: Why did NBC have to import Tom Durkin to call the Preakness? Why be afraid to use Pimlico’s Dave Rodman, one of the most exciting, nuanced and accurate race callers in the game? It strikes me as canned and also an insult to one of the unsung masters of that field. Durkin is a classic but not the intuitive dynamo he once was. Rodman, however, is at the top of his game. Every replay on Youtube I’ve found features Durkin. The Rodman call should be heard.

Posted by John S. on May 18, 2008 @ 3:39 pm

Forget Durkin — why did Pimlico have to take our Sam the Bugler???

Posted by Brooklyn Backstretch on May 18, 2008 @ 4:09 pm

I think Big Brown will continue to run after the Belmont, albeit only 2 more races — the Travers and then the BC Classic.

Posted by robert on May 18, 2008 @ 8:53 pm

I think the other Andy is quite right about Big Brown heading to stud right after the Belmont, even though that deprives us all of the chance to see him face older horses (Curlin especially). It’s about the money, of course …
I was wondering the same thing about Sam the Bugler and Durkin. Seems like the Preakness should be an all-Pimlico affair. (Although I guess there’s some contract with Durkin to provide all the NBC calls?)
Any comments on the telecast? I found it dreadful, not that ESPN’s was much better. Both focused too much on Dutrow/Big Brown, repeated canned profiles, barely paid attention to the undercard (and NBC didn’t even bother to show the Allaire Dupont).

Posted by Jessica on May 19, 2008 @ 12:05 am

For those of you who hate crowds . . .
There was PLENTY of room this year in the Pimlico grandstand and clubhouse. They were roomy and comfortable, alas. The attendance drop did not take place in the infield, where the party raged, but in the areas where people actually wager their money. For those who would like to attend a Triple Crown event, but not deal with chaos, this was, unfortunately for the MJC, the one.

Posted by John S. on May 19, 2008 @ 9:27 am