SIR BARTON (1919)

Spurred by the recent discussion, I feel like honoring our greatest champions. This post will begin an exploration into America's eleven triple crown winners--starting most logically, with the first.

Sir Barton would not get the honor of having the Triple Crown title until much later, as the term was not coined until Gallant Fox won the three races in 1930. Still, nothing is to be taken away from this colt. He was born to the same farm that produced Kentucky Derby winners Old Rosebud (1914), Paul Jones (1920), and Flying Ebony (1925), in addition to Derby and Belmont winner, Zev (1923). Sir Barton was by Star Shoot (a son of English Triple Crown winner, Isinglass) and Lady Sterling (Hanover). Barton suffered soft hooves--piano felt was placed between his foot and his shoe in an attempt to diminish the pain when he raced, but it was a problem for him throughout his career. As a two year old, Sir Barton was never in the money until the final start of his season when he finished second. He went into the Kentucky Derby as a maiden, intended to be a rabbit for his stablemate--He was supposed to press the pace and tire the front horses so Billy Kelly could come from behind to win. The plan backfired when Barton's stablemate couldn't catch him down the stretch. Just four days later he won the Preakness, and two races later, the Belmont. And America's Triple Crown is too tight now? I don't think so. Our horses are too fragile.

Sir Barton was by no means a perfect horse. After he won the Triple Crown, he had a great three year old campaign, and was named Horse of the Year. Eventually, he was pitted in a match race against the great Man O' War, and was beaten by his younger, and nearly definitely more talented rival. Sir Barton never won again, and was retired to stud. He produced several good fillies, including 1928's Kentucky Oaks winner, and then was relocated for unknown reasons. After his death he was buried near his paddock, but later was moved to a small park in Wyoming where he lies today.

Sir Barton had his faults, but proved himself one of the best horses of his generation, and of course, was our very first Triple Crown winner.

Change the Triple Crown? Eh.

Patience people, patience.

Yesterday's Belmont discussions centered heavily around changing the Triple Crown, and I have to say I was upset by it. The Triple Crown is supposed to be hard. That is its identity. What meaning is there in accomplishing anything if the rules have been changed to make the fear easier? If the distance of the races, or the time between them were changed, it would affect both the tradition and sentiment that lie behind the greatest challenge in sports. Is it too hard? Maybe. But there was a time when fans and experts complained it was too easy. The Triple Crown doesn't need reformatting, it needs a hero. Jumping the gun and changing the series may bring more champions, but really, what are they winners of? An easier Crown than those that won before them? Is there truly anything special about that?

Patience people, patience.

When the time is right, the next Secretariat will come along. Now, if change must be made, I'm on Jerry Bailey's side. Lower the number of horses that can enter the Kentucky Derby. Traffic problems sometimes cost the most deserving horses their shot at the race. Then there's another issue: Lowering the number in the field would take chance away from horses that may deserve to be in the race. This year was not a great example of this, but there are years when there are twenty great horses that all deserve their two minutes of fame.

The bottom line is that whether we think the Triple Crown is too difficult or not, changing it would change too much of its rich history. Imagine if the Belmont was shortened to a mile and quarter, and Secretariat's stakes record was replaced by a new one? Changing the chemistry of the races would take away from the great feat that the eleven champions have accomplished. The Triple Crown is no harder than it was when Seattle Slew won it, so why should our current, less talented horses be held to a lower standard? If a horse is going to be called a Triple Crown champion, he (or in a really wild twist, she) should earn it-really earn it. Any horse that wants to deserve that title should have to do it the same way that Affirmed did.

That's all I have for now,
Waiting for Incredible # 12.

Drosselmeyer Takes NY's Race

Well, I was right about one thing. A new champ did emerge from yesterday's Belmont Stakes. I personally overlooked this guy, not because I thought he didn't have a chance, but well, because I just didn't know that much about him. The bigger names were a bit disappointing yesterday, but it turned out to be an alright race.

A New Champion Will Emerge Today

As the Belmont nears, I'm liking a few of these horses okay, but overall am disappointed with the lack of depth I've seen in this year's Triple Crown. That said, I think I've got a pretty good feel of who's got a shot today.

1. ICE BOX. Florida Derby win didn't put him on my radar, but fast rallying finish in the Kentucky Derby did. Taking the chance choosing him without a whole lot of early speed in this race, but I think he has the most class, and the best shot. A slow pace won't help his chances, but late speed's been holding up pretty well at Belmont today.

2. FLY DOWN. Big win at Belmont last month, looks great, and can't count out Zito. If Ice Box doesn't take it, this is the next best shot.

3. STATELY VICTOR. Bluegrass win doesn't tell me much when combined with 8th place Derby finish. A polytrack wonder? Maybe. Still I have this feeling about this horse I've had for a while now and I just can't shake it. Ghostzapper bloodline should point toward dirt capabilities.

4. MAKE MUSIC FOR ME. Wet track wonder? Maybe. Still, overcame alot of trouble to finish well at Churchill.

5. FIRST DUDE. They say he was just getting started when he crossed the wire second to Lookin' at Lucky in the Preakness...

A last minute addition: STAY PUT. Shown his best stuff on wet tracks, but was an easy winner on the derby undercard and looks good.