Smarty Jones wins the Preakness by 12 lengths!!!!

[Cherry]

Way to go Smarty!!!!!

[Cherry]

Way to go Smarty!!!!!

[Melzy]

http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif Yeaaaaahhhhhhh. I just got home in time to watch his win! He was easy to spot with his tacky white bridle. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif This is the first time I ever posted on the racing forum. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

CONGRATULATIONS Smarty. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Gallop On]

WOW! What a run!

[MsDuch]

I'm stuck at work so I didn't get to watch (forgot to set the VCR), but did listen online. Does anyone have an idea of where I can see it online?

it sounded awesome...

[LoriO]

All I can say is.....WOW!!!!!!!!

[LLDM]

Hot Damn, he didn't even look tired!

SCFarm

[hunt_jump]

Woo Hoo, GO SMARTY!!!! He made it look so easy like he was just out for his morning gallop http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I was most impressed with Gary Stevens and Mike Smith's comments after the race about both being on great colts that were just born in the wrong year. It is one thing for Smarty to impress me (a non racing person), but to impress the other jocks has to be something special.

[sasa521]

WOW...

[Linny]

He showed them how its done.

[zedcadjna]

Man I love that little horse, a friend of mine says he is great as she has exercised along side him at philly, where she works...

[Albion]

I was napping on the couch & the bell from the gates woke me up - I couldn't believe it when I saw him pulling away! I NEVER shout at the TV, but I was definitely chanting (the dog went whacko & ran in front of the TV http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif) - I went upstairs and INSISTED that my non-horsey roomie & her kind-of-into-horses-on-a-low-level boyfriend watch the replay & they were impressed. The whole trip was beautiful.

Couldn't get my mum on the phone (I always call after a Triple Crown race) - off to call my friend who got me into racehorses so I can go 'WOW' to someone who understands!

[onetempies]

LLDM... Exactly what I was thinking! I didn't see a whole lot of sweat on that boy after the race NOR did it look like he was puffing much at all! That was one awesome race to watch. Smarty was so incredibly composed pre race, then that little bit of arrogant trotting on the way to the gate (you can tell he loffs himself http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif ), and after the race he came right back down to gentleman status. Amazing... I missed all the post race stuff though since I had to leave to come back to work. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif Oh well... hopefully my VCR caught it all! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Tackpud]

Awesome!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Just caught the headlines on USA Today - didn't get to see the race. Anyone know the time?

[OldLadyOnATB]

What a beautiful run. The best part was the way the jockey kept petting him as they road to the winner's circle. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

There are lot's of horses with good running gear but that horse has something extra....HEART! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif He wants to be a winner, and those around him seem to really appreciate the "personal" side of him.

Go Smarty Go!

Elizabeth http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Spot]

It was totally awesome! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

Does anyone know how tall he is ?
I keep hearing references to him being "small" - just how small IS he?

"Spot"

[barbaraG]

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Now, can he win the Belmont??!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

Doesn't have to be like his Great-Grand Daddy, http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Sweet day in the Afternoon....somebody bring me a crab cake!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

On to Belmont!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

BarbaraG
GWV/http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[J. Turner]

It amazing how that horse (or his jockey) never seems to get into trouble into the race. He breaks fast, gets into position the rest of the race, then pulls away. I can't believe how he pulled away. I wanted him to win, but wanted Imperialism to get in there too.

[jilltx]

Did any of you guys catch the big, black Rock Hard Ten at the starting gate? That was almost as good as the race (ok...not hardly..but it was certainly heart stopping in spots).

Gooooo Smarty Jones! That's what racing is all about!!

Psst...J.Turner...I was rooting for Imperialism too!!

[lmlacross]

NBC called it 11 3/4 lengths, but it might as well have been a mile. Love this horse, love the story, and love the class displayed by all involved, most notably Mike Smith and Gary Stevens-- deference to a great colt even in defeat.

What a great race.

LML

[J. Turner]

How tall is "foreman Bill Foster"? He makes Smarty look like a medium pony. How big is Smarty?

Picture of him leading Smarty:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?g=events/sp/051404preaknesstakes&a=&tmpl=sl&ns=&l=0&e=33&a=0&printer=

[Tory Relic]

It was a wonderful race, I'm glad we taped it. Mr. Tory Relic has been calling this horse for the Triple Crown since he saw the Arkansas Derby. He's two for two on that one.

[Lauruffian]

Holy mother of pearl! AWESOME! <span class="ev_code_RED">AWESOME!</span> I say!

BTW--NBC called it 7 3/4 lengths, but the official distance as listed by The Blood Horse online is 11 1/2 (which at least to my eye seems about right).

Not that it matters much--he blew 'em away! I've been 20 years to see a horse like this...may he be the one for us all!

[canyonoak]

WOOHOOOOOOOOOO

WOOOOOOOHOOOO


WHEWWWWWWWW

WHEEEEEEE

sorry, after that race, can only think in caps...

how many gears does that hoss have?

I think we're going to find out in the Belmont..

[Smigget]

That was an awesome race. For a few moments at the head of the homestretch I thought he lost it to Hard Rock Ten, but boy! that win margin was impressive. Only the first thing that popped into my head was how Funny Cide frizzled in the Belmont after his large Preakness win margin.

[Glimmerglass]

Congrats to Smarty Jones, et al!

I think Philly will be a huge party town tonight. When I saw NBC mentioned the bit about the nuns who were placing money on Smarty it just didn't help the chances of the others http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif At least Rock Hard Ten showed that he was the real deal, just a bit too young.

11 1/2 lengths is the official winning distance which is the record for the Preakness. Funny Cide if I'm not mistaken would now hold the 3rd largest distance. Shades of last year ....

[lmlacross]

Yes-- 11 1/2 is the official number. What I thought I heard NBC announce as 7 3/4 must have actually been 11 3/4. Either way...fabulous!

Class, class, class- and practically a hand ride to the wire (I counted two taps). I'll pick him now for the Belmont, recent history be damned!!

LML

[Living My Dream]

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif
Oh My Moon and Stars what a race - what a Horse ! I thought I was having a flashback to Secretariat http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

And what wonderful people he owns too! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif


Now for the details:

Smarty Jones won the 2004 Preakness by 11-1/2 lengths (a new record)

The official time was 1:55:59

Smarty Jones stands 15.3 hands

Congratulations to all the folks at Someday Farm
http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Now, where do I sign up for the Smarty Party clique? http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

[Living My Dream]

Oops, sorry http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_redface.gif

While I was gettin' my facts together, faster folks were already posting the info http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

On To Belmont

[Essie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Living My Dream:
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif
Oh My Moon and Stars what a race - what a Horse ! I thought I was having a flashback to Secretariat http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That is exactly what I was thinking. What a great race! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif On to Belmont.

[boosma47]

Classy jockeys indeed - and Shane Sellars saying Smarty is the real thing and will go the whole way - $10m bonus wouldn't be shabby. And those Thoroughbreds still take by breath away with their fire, athleticism and HEART!

[akrogirl]

Would anyone who taped the Derby and Preakness be willing to make me copies? My hubby screwed up on the taping! I will gladly pay whatever it takes.

[Daydream Believer]

I had goosebumps watching Smarty's stretch run. I actually choked up and cried at the end. I really think this horse is going to go down as a great horse. He made those other very classy colts look like nags. Wow! He's definitely my pic for the Belmont.

[Glimmerglass]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Living My Dream:
Oh My Moon and Stars what a race - what a Horse ! I thought I was having a flashback to Secretariat <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yikes, lets not have any flashbacks to Secretariat at the Preakness! He was cheated out of the record time by the Pimlico Time Officials which was subsequently upheld (against all the evidence and logic) in the ensuing lawsuit/inquiry by the Maryland Racing Commission.

The Daily Racing Form, using three different professional clockers and also CBS Television's video, correctly had him breaking the record at 1:53 2/5 vs. Pimlico's claim of just 1:55. The DRF gave the record to Secretariat, but the Preakness still records the fastest time as being Canonero II's.

[Lauruffian]

[horse racing geek nitpick]Actually Glimmer, Tank's Prospect and Louis Quatorze share the current Preakness record time of 1:53 2/5. But at the time of Secretariat's race, Cannonero II's was the record time.[/horse racing geek nitpick]

Meanwhile, akrogirl I have a tape and just need to figure out how to copy it. But I'll gladly send you a copy if you just cover the cost of the tape and shipping...and help give me ideas on how to copy it. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Living My Dream]

Just to clarify, Glimmerglass

I was comparing "form and function" - not "time & space" http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

And, yes, I had forgotten completely about the timing nonsense. He was robbed http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif *Getting all huffed up all over again* http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

On To Belmont
and still looking for the Smarty Party Clique
http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[Toadie's mom]

I loved Gary Steven's diplomatic assessment. "My horse found another gear, but Smarty found 4 more gears!" So happy for all his connections. Just can't wait for my boy Rock Hard Ten to get it together.

[YoungFilly]

I saw that race and I'll tell you I had one thought watching the horse cross that finish line. "Wow, we are going to have a triple crown winner this year."

He was very, very, impressive. Wow! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

[jilltx]

Toadie, Rock Hard Ten blew me away. He certainly makes an impression blasting down the straightaway! My non-horsey hubby was just mesmerized by him.

[Smigget]

ooh, Rock Hard Ten was great. He is now my second favorite racehorse. That was quite the performance he put in!

Course, Smarty was better. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[J. Turner]

The caption of this picture (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?g=events/sp/051404preaknesstakes&a=&tmpl=sl&ns=&l=0&e=19&a=0&printer=)on Yahoo says it was taken in congrats after the race, but Stewart Elliot has on all his goggles. Wouldn't that have to be before? He doesn't have all his goggles on in the finish line pictures.

Also, in a Grade I classic which is televised and the ceremony is televised, when does the winning jockey weigh in at the end of the race. It looked like Elliott went straight from walking the horse to the winner's circle to the ceremony.

[J. Turner]

How big is Rock Hard Ten? There was another horse that looked rather big in the post parade, but I can't remember who.

[Linny]

Hey Living My Dream, I'll join the Smarty Party. I bet him in his first three starts and was a fan from the first.

Let the Smarty Party begin!

[Linny]

Rock Hard Ten is said to be 17h. Eddington is also a big guy, about 16.3.

[Future Breeder]

Fabulous race! I was cheering for Smarty all the way, but had hoped Imperialism would step up to the plate a bit.

[Living My Dream]

Hey Linny

You're On! I defer to your Grand Prix status and anxiously await your Smarty Party Clique Thread http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

But you'll have to hurry, cause it's gettin' close to Dream's bedtime & I can't stand to hear the knarping & klatching if I'm late to turn the covers. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Linny:
Hey Living My Dream, I'll join the Smarty Party. I bet him in his first three starts and was a fan from the first.

_Let the Smarty Party begin!_ <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[VigorsMom]

What an amazing horse he is! WOW!

[HotPinkHorse04]

Man O Man! Did you see the horse behind him? It was huge http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif but smarty proved size doesn't matter!! He proved if you have the heart you can accomplish anything! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif (I like the greys but they never seem to win) http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

[tbpalsx2]

After spending the afternoon at a beautiful wedding for a professional horsewoman and her groom I finished off the day watching The Preakness I had taped. None of us at the wedding which was filled with horse persons from several states had heard who had won and I wanted to be surprised. We were screaming for Smarty and so excited even though we watched the race 2 hours after the fact. Wow! My teenage daughter is friends with the nephew of the owners of Affimred. The Affirmed relatives say they are all pulling for Smarty. We feel privileged to get to hear some of the behind the scences stories about Affimred. As much as I like the humans involved with both horses I would love to have seen Affirmed and would now love to see Smarty in person. The horses all are beautiful. When Smarty runs you can just see he looks confident, puts his ears forward and I believe loves his job. Cannot wait for The Belmont. Now to surf the internet for photos of his big day!

[spirithorse]

I'll give congratulations to Smarty Jones and Stewart Elliott, however, I want to kick KD right in his rearend and use a sledge hammer between the eyes. Once again the hidious side of Desormoux shows up in a race. Just because he blew it at the Derby he gunned Imperilism to the front instead of staying right on SJ's rump and thus he drained Imperilism of any chance of a decent stretch run..............

[Cherry]

Well, the pundits have been saying right along, "Smarty Jones? Huh! I don't think he can get the distance!", LOL!!!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif I hope these guys were watching today!!!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/winkgrin.gif

Most of me wants to party hearty, but knowing horses the way I do the other part of me is waiting for the other shoe to drop... http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/uhoh.gif Every night I pray that Smarty will be safe for another day... http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

I'm hoping Smarty can pull it off at the Belmont--the way things are going in this country we need a magical moment that can bring us together for a change!!! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/sadsmile.gif

[DMK]

That sure was an impressive race - I have not followed the horses at all this series, other than to watch the races, but I'm on the Smarty Jones bandwagon all the way.

He reminds me a lot of Seattle Slew. Not in appearance or anything, but the fact that he is pretty much a steady eddie, copes with everything thrown his way and gets the job done when everyone was saying he wouldn't/couldn't/shoulldn't. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I never could get on the Funnycide bandwagon even though both owners have a great story - Funnycide struck me as a one note racehorse. That one note was awesome,but it still takes more thanone note to be great. Hopefully what we see in Smarty Jones is an entire songbook. So far it looks like it. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

But I did tell my sister right after the race that I wasn't so sure he should win the Belmont. It ake kill his owner! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[dogchushu]

DMK, although I really wanted Funny Cide to win the Triple Crown last year, I was very doubtful. I just never got the "we're in the presence of greatness" feeling I have with Smarty right now.

I have no idea why that is. I really didn't follow racing at all this year or last. But Smarty just seems so awesome! Maybe it's because he's undefeated. Or maybe it's because he looks so fresh at the end of the Preakness. I don't know--I'm just enjoying the anticipation of the Belmont.

Gotta' agree on the owner though. I think they should have an ambulance team and defibrilator standing by!

[drifting cloud]

What a race!
What a horse!!!!!!!!!!!

I was a little worried at one point because although Smarty was in front, it didn't look like he was firing but Rock Hard Ten was starting to roll. Then, all of a sudden, Smarty started pulling away and the distance kept getting bigger and bigger. It really looked effortless and like he was just out for an easy canter. I don't think I've ever seen a horse do that in the 20+ years I have watched racing. I think it is an indication of how good he really is! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/yes.gif

It doesn't seem like temperament is considered to be all that important in racehorses, but I think a big part of Smarty's success is his great mind. Lots of horses have physical talent, but they can be their own worst enemies if they are difficult mentally (like Funny Cide and War Emblem). Smarty has it all...great talent, great heart, and a great mind.

Congratulations to Smarty and his team! I hope he'll come out of the race in good shape and it will be on to the Belmont!

[teal tea]

I was very impressed and happy. I want to go to NY to be there if he wins. It would be worth it regardless of the outcome, to just be as close as I could be to him (and TX is pretty far away...)

[Lauruffian]

Hey...is that a star or a scar on Smarty's forehead??

BTW...Rock Hard Ten is a stunningly gorgeous fellow in person. We saw him in person at the Santa Anita Derby, and I just couldn't get my eyes off of him. Even my nonhorsey hubby commented on both RHT's size and handsome looks.

[mik]

what sat. is the last race, i missed the derby and the preakness, and don't want to miss belmont

[Smigget]

I think it's a star on Smarty.

Rock Hard Ten is beyond gorgeous (Smarty is positivily aborable aborable but he isn't gorgeous). I was sooo happy that he got second. If Smarty doesn't take the Belmont, I want Rock Hard Ten to get it.

[Spot]

I never heard this part - was Smarty bred by the Chapman's, or did they purchase him afterwards?
Does anyone know (if they did purchase him) how much he was purchased for?

Enquiring minds want to know! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Spot"

[DMK]

He was bred by the Chapmans.

[DMK]

Hmmm... since th eavatars were back a few minutes ago, I went to resize mine and test it. And now they are gone again. Oh well, this post was to check avatar size...

[Hunterblue]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Toadie's mom:
I loved Gary Steven's diplomatic assessment. "My horse found another gear, but Smarty found 4 more gears!" So happy for all his connections. Just can't wait for my boy Rock Hard Ten to get it together. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


WOW i loffed it!! bring on the belmont!

[spirithorse]

If the jockey would let Rock Hard Ten lower his head, the horse would fly.........jockey needs to settle and let the horse do his thing.

[Madeline]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by spirithorse:
If the jockey would let Rock Hard Ten lower his head, the horse would fly.........jockey needs to settle and let the horse do his thing. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

And your qualifications to tell Gary Stevens how to ride are????

[Calico]

spirithorse - I'd bet that Rock Hard Ten just hasn't settled yet. Once he learns to reach, he'll be a monster. And I think if he can duel with Smarty in the Belmont, he might just figure it out then.

[Glimmerglass]

Rock Hard Ten just needs to come into his own and understand that he has the power and size. It is not going to come from the jock, albeit you have the best hired gun up.

Had he been a bit more mentally mature, he could've challenged more - although likely still would've lost - at the Preakness. RHT was not tired at all so that speaks well to his ability to still be fresh in three weeks.

1 1/2 miles at the Belmont with Gary Stevens up again ... it will certainly be interesting.

[caffeinated]

Smarty just made it look so easy... looking at him, kept thinking he was going slow or out for a morning canter, until I saw all the horses behind him running their guts out...

And is it me or does he flick his ears foreward a couple strides from the wire like he's looking at it and knows what it is? Because he did it in the derby too unless I'm imagining things...

[Anne FS]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>He was easy to spot with his tacky white bridle. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Melzy, I read somewhere back before the Derby that Mr. Servis specifically has SJ wear that white bridle so his elderly owner(s) can more easily spot him from the beginning in his races.

Of course, at the end of the races, turns out they just need to look in front! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Giddyup2]

I too was disappointed and confused with KD's ride on Imperialism. Isn't he a "come from behind" type of horse? Why on earth was he place up front? Time to change jocks. I just hope all of this hasn't demoralized Imperialism.

[Barbara L.]

I believe Imperialism's rider knows best!! When you have two speed horses like Lion Heart and Smarty Jones in a race, you cannot let a "come-from-off-the-pace" horse settle back too far, because he'll never be able to make up all the ground he needs to catch the leaders. If you are a sharp rider (like these guys are) you know the running style of at least the favorites in the race, and since Smarty has never laid more than a couple lengths from the lead at any point in his races, and has won ALL of his races, a jockey on another horse would either try to force the pace and tire Smarty (not possible these days!!), or encourage his own horse to lay closer.
It's just smart tactics.
I read an article in the DRF last week that said Kristin Mulhall was not intent on running Imperialism in the Preakness, she wanted to give him time off, but jer dad and the owners convinced her to do it.
Don't you think she may have had some instincts, as a good horsewoman, that Imperialism wasn't up to the task? And him staying behind in the paddock for shoe repair probably didn't help his mental status either!
Just my thoughts.

[Giddyup2]

I hear what you are saying Barbar L. but.....forcing/pushing a horse to run in a style unfamiliar/uncomfortable/unnatural (for that/a particular horse) in a HUGE race like the Preakness was downright foolish (IMHO).

Maybe spirithorse and I will kick KD in his arse together!

[mommy peanut]

Barbara L. Actually it wasn't Kristin's dad who talked her into taking Imperialsim. It was KD. He told her that if she sent them to the Preakness & the Belmont that he could "gauruntee" they'd win. I for one think that was oversighted on KD part. I've watched him a lot over the past years & he does seem to carry "sour grapes" with him after a bad race. The fact that he was shaking his fist in disgust at the end of the race, goes to show his poor sportsmanship, IMO.
I think Smarty is just loffly!! RHT is absolutely goregous(sp) and will be a factor once he figures it all out.

[spirithorse]

Barbara L;

The pace was 23 and change for the first quarter and 47 and change for the first half. If dumb dumb KD had stayed behind Smarty Jones, Imperilism would have had the high gear available for the stretch run. KD choose to gun the horse and challenge for the lead at the first turn and blew the race from the gate to the first turn, PERIOD...................

[Glimmerglass]

I hate to crush the dreams of some, but frankly I don't get all of this lusting over Imperialism.

I've seen him run in three races and in all three he's shown one thing: he's decent. The decision at Santa Anita to bump up Imperialism was disagreeable in my view - he simply was not in front of RHT. You only get cut off when you are slower by at least some measure of length and RHT was on a charge.

Also, you can't tell me stride for stride, beside one another, he could beat Rock Hard Ten. The Preakness showed that pretty clear, let alone him approach and then besting Smarty Jones.

He's a good horse but even with Jerry Bailey aboard you just were looking at match race of a Ford Mustang against a Ferrari.

[Beezer]

Eh, but Glimmer, anyone who wants to bash KD for whatever reason has my blessing. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Much as I've wanted a Triple Crown winner, I finally believe that we have one worthy of the title. But I am so very fearful of jinxing him....

[shiloh]

Okay, okay...I now admit a grudging admiration for Smarty Jones - I will now say <span class="ev_code_RED">wow</span>. But still no WOW! http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

And I guess I would find another gear, too if I saw something as ginormous as RHT coming up behind me. http://chronicleforums.com/images/custom_smilies/lol.gif

And I felt bad for Imperialism - I really wanted him to do better. I think he is a nice horse and was disappointed for him.

[Kellsboro Jack]

Hmmm I have to question the accuracy of the venerable BBC with this report of the Preakness: 5/16 BBC "Smarty claims Preakness win" (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/3711901.stm)

Quote: "Smarty Jones, who is virtually blind in one eye after fracturing his skull in a stalls accident last year, has won all seven races of his career so far."

Reality: while injured from his rearing in the stall with a broken eye socket, the threat of blindness did not occur ultimately and he is not limited in sight (unlike Imperialism or even Derby entrant, Pollard's Vision) ... and the Preakness made Smarty 8 for 8, not seven .. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Smigget]

That's wierd. Three sight impared horses running this year (or threat of sight imparement). This year sure is different.