When the lone speed in the race is allowed an uncontested lead, no matter how much speed the horse actually possesses, that runner can often times slip away from the field while clicking off easy fractions. Then its just a matter of coming off the final turn and kicking for home. That scenario unfolded in the 140th Belmont Stakes as jockey Alan Garcia piloted Da’ Tara to victory. The longest priced entry in the field of nine went off at 38.50 to 1 and returned $79.00, $28.00 and $14.80 in Win Place Show money to the astute handicappers and faithful backers.
The Nick Zito trained colt by Tiznow stopped the timer in 2:29.65 and continued the thirty year Triple Crown wait as Big Brown failed to deliver. The heavy favorite was obviously uncomfortable stuck behind the front runner and between the rail and another rival. When the would be rainmaker for the Triple Crown drought managed to find room to the outside he lacked the explosiveness that carried him to his previous five straight victories.
Possibly the 12th Triple Crown hero will emerge next year. Maybe he’ll be a gorgeous bay. Perhaps he’ll be perfect. Meanwhile, the wait remains and the chase endures.
The Nick Zito trained colt by Tiznow stopped the timer in 2:29.65 and continued the thirty year Triple Crown wait as Big Brown failed to deliver. The heavy favorite was obviously uncomfortable stuck behind the front runner and between the rail and another rival. When the would be rainmaker for the Triple Crown drought managed to find room to the outside he lacked the explosiveness that carried him to his previous five straight victories.
Possibly the 12th Triple Crown hero will emerge next year. Maybe he’ll be a gorgeous bay. Perhaps he’ll be perfect. Meanwhile, the wait remains and the chase endures.
