Boomer, Dark Star, and the Diamond Eagle all predicted the Cinderella at the Kentucky Oaks would outduel the boys in New York.
I am sure that Street Sense, the Kentucky Derby winner, was glad for the earlier decision to sit this one out. Curlin may still be the pick of the litter, but boy that girl can run. And run she did!
What an exciting stretch run as Curlin appeared to be positioning for the win. Rags to Riches had other plans, as she flat out just out-ran the favorite. This fast filly outdueled Curlin in a breathtaking stretch run and won the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, becoming the first lady in nearly a century to take the final leg of the Triple Crown.
Rags to Riches even spotted the boys at the start with a slight stumble and then became the third filly to capture the Belmont.
Ruthless took the first running in 1867 and Tanya won in 1905. Only 22 fillies have ever mixed it up with the boys at Belmont, with Rags to Riches, the first since Silverbulletday, who finished well out of the money in 1999.
This was a guy/girl thing and the girl took the prize. Rags to Riches is now the undisputed winner of the Belmont Stakes. Now the Queen of Racing will undoubtedly continue her quest as the dominant Filly in other featured races this year.
Did you know that this girl has not been beaten this year?
No triple crown winner this year, but all three races lived up to their expectations.
Three Races....Three Champions.
Off to the Races....the Diamond Eagle __________________________________
The Home Run Record in Baseball is a milestone that will be broken this year, and has already received plenty press. Horse racing fans have already witnessed history this year and are ecstatic. When one of the really good guys in the sport reaches a milestone, there is reason for celebration. That guy I'm referring to is Arizona native, Jockey Vince Guerra.
Vince recorded his 3000th career victory this past week at Yavapai Downs, and as the saying goes, "it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy". Our heartfelt congratulations goes out to Vince. I love baseball, but Barry Bonds cannot hold a candle to the integrity that Vince brings to horse racing. Boomer and Diamond Eagle Handicapping, DEH, tip their hats to Vince!
Vince will not be at Belmont on Saturday, but a darling filly will be there mixing it up with the boys. The last time a filly won the Belmont Stakes was way back in 1908. This year, Rags to Riches, the filly, goes for her 4th straight Grade 1 victory and 5th overall, and certainly figures to get plenty of attention at the mutuel windows across the country.
With Street Sense not in the field, the early favorite Curlin may not win by a nose this time. This may be a girl-guy thing and I am picking the darling in the 1 1/2 Mile showdown. The Big Apple, Street Sense, will be watching, as the Girl takes the prize.
When the Nose of Curlin edged Street Sense at the wire at the Preakness, the apples at the Belmont were quickly being shipped to Saratoga and Monmouth Park.
Yes, there will be no triple crown race winner this year, but the race will go on without the Kentucky Derby winner.
There has never been an instance of the same horses running 1-2-3 in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness and then meeting in the Belmont Stakes.
Undoubtedly Street Sense, Curlin, and Hard Spun are at the 'Head of the Class' for 2007. Street Sense has, however been withdrawn from the Belmont and will be training for the larger apples at The Travers Cup in Saratoga on 25 August and the Breeder's Cup Classic at Monmouth Park on 27 October.
Thus, the door is open for all challengers who initially did not want to compete against the hungry Street Sense for the Big Apple at the Belmont.
Stay tuned, because Dark Star will probably give us his 2 cents (sense) next week on the 2007 Belmont. He nailed the Trifecta at the Preakness for a handsome payoff.
In the interim, the following Video will give you some real perspective on the true greatness of the late Secretariat.
