Big Questions This Week...

Number one on everyone's mind of course, is Big Brown's return to the races in the Haskell on August 3. He has a big recovery to make after his Belmont Stakes dissapointment. Since I've updated, the discovery of a loose shoe has added to the mix of rumors and unanswerable theories that have been circulating in the aftermath of the "Test of a Champion."

Also of interest, Curlin's defeat on the turf brings up some questions. He may get another shot before they abandon plans of taking him to the Prix de L'arc de Triomphe in France, but he will have to step up his game big time to have a shot at that race. If he doesn't run well on grass, I'm assuming they'll switch him back and aim him for a repeat of the Breeder's Cup Classic. If he ends up being good on grass, will he run in one of the grass races instead? Perhaps the Breeder's Cup Turf? I say it's more likely he runs in the Classic again.

And what about Evening Attire? A ten year old, running in the Breeder's Cup? Looks like it could definately happen. Evening Attire has been to the BC before, but it has been a while. However, he did just win a challenge race very easily. Along the same lines, Perfect Drift is still running, but he'd have to make a big step to get to the BC.

Well Armed is a nice feel-good story for this year, after recovering from a hip fracture to finish third behind Curlin in the Dubai World Cup, he was a challenge for the Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile, and it's likely they will try to get him into the Classic if possible. Boy is he a beautiful animal.

How about Histericalady? Is she ready to turn the tables on Ginger Punch at this year's BCD? She's the leader of the division right now, and for good reason. Maybe this year Histericalady will win the photo instead. It's a real shame there can be no Eight Belles in that race, because I would have loved to see that. May she rest in peace.

And of course Notional, who was expected to be a top contender for the 2007 Kentucky Derby, but had to drop due to injury--he's earned a spot in the BCDM, and may try to get to the Classic.

My own curiosity makes me wonder about the plans of English Channel, if he's still racing, and particularly, Da'Tara. I wonder if they'll aim the bittersweet Belmont winner for the Classic to possibly rematch against Big Brown. Of couse the possibility of Big Brown vs. Curlin is still of more interest.

Also, War Pass. Where will he go? He would be a top candidate for the Dirt Mile because of his style, and I've thought that since last year when he won the BCJ. I hope he gets the chance to run in it, because I think he has what it takes to win that one. I suppose it all depends on the progress he makes in recovery, though I assume he's doing well because I have not heard otherwise.

I will be reporting on the results of Big Brown's attempt to regain his dignity. If only he knew what kind of stakes he blew it under, maybe he'd know just how much pressure is on him now.

Change of Focus

It's time to start looking into Breeder's Cup possibilities.

Our current top contenders are:

1. Curlin (Record: 3-2-1-0, BC points: 10), of course. Although he did just experience defeat, he is still in contention for something, whether it be turf or dirt. We shall see.
2. Precious Passion (Record: 6-2-1-1, BC points: Challenge Win)
3. Histericalady (5-3-0-1, 14)
4. Kip Deville (2-2-0-0, 10)
5. Benny the Bull (4-4-0-0, 6)
6. War Pass (3-1-1-0, 6)
7. Indian Blessing (5-3-2-0, 30)
8. Notional (5-1-0-1, Challenge win)
9. Nownownow (1-1-0-0, 0)
10. Mistical Plan (4-1-0-1, 4)