Horse Racing Is Getting Interesting, Again

I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed (all over again) by California Chrome's performance in the $10 million Dubai WorldCup race yesterday.  I saw it live, on a racing channel, and I wasn't sure what to expect.  I loved California Chrome two years ago when he won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.  I wasn't that upset that he lost the Belmont, but his owner's hateful, hurtful, bombastic tirade after the race was over caused me to lose interest in the horse, himself.  Last year, CC's owner boasted that he'd win the Dubai World Cup race, but CC finished second.  He did not race well in England.  As a five-year-old, this year, the owner stated that the horse was "five lengths better" for the same race.  While European horses horses frequently run longer races (on the turf) than American horses, it's highly unusual to have a mile-and-a-quarter dirt race for older horses - excepting the Breeders Cup Classic.  I was very excited when California Chrome won the World Cup race yesterday by a distance of five lengths...  Not only did he run and win convincingly, he ran three and four paths out for most of the trip, and his saddle slipped backwards during the race.  Jockey Victor Espinoza made a thrilling and athletic ride on the young stallion; at the finish line, Chrome's girth was around his last rib, instead of behind his elbows...  All I can say is Wow!

The Kentucky Derby, to be run on May 7 this year, is beginning to look like a delightful free-for-all.  The three top picks are generally agreed to be Nyquist, by Uncle Mo; Songbird by Medaglia d'Oro, and Mohayman by Tapit.  Lani, another son of Tapit, won the UAE Derby earlier this week, and secured a gate position for the iconic May race at Churchill Downs.   Gun Runner was impressive winning the Louisiana Derby yesterday.  Cupid, another son of Tapit trained by Bob Baffert, won the Rebel Stakes on 19 March.  And it looks like American Pioneer will be entered in the Arkansas Derby ...   Yep, I love horse racing in the Spring!