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Triple Crown Train Derailed
Original article written by Kia Dawn posted 10 years 0 weeks agoSunny skies were in the forecast for yesterday's Baltimore Crown, making for a fast track. That's a far cry from the torrential downpours Louisville received just over a week ago when Bronze Horseman pulled away by two lengths to win the first jewel of the Triple Crown in the slop.
But he would be denied any shot at the Triple Crown. He broke well and settled mid pack in sixth and saved some ground along the rail. He closed some ground on the leader in the stretch, but was never fully able to get the kick he needed to get by him. The Derby winner finished a length behind the Derby runner up.
Amaroq refused to be second again, and took the second jewel of the crown, switching places it seems with Bronze Horseman. The black steward bred colt broke sharply, and battled for the lead with eventual seventh place finisher, Father of the Year. At one point he had opened up a 2 1/2 length lead on the field. In the stretch it began to dwindle to the Triple Crown hopeful, but not enough. Amaroq managed to keep a one length barrier between his talented rival.
We cannot be sure why Bronze Horseman didn't quite give the performance he did in the Derby. Perhaps it was because he had less farm rest than other competitors. Or maybe it is because he might like the slightly longer distances. Either way, I expect him to bounce back after the Baltimore Crown. He has been consistently posting some pretty high speed figures. He isn't the only one being consistent.
With Kind Regards finished third for the second time in a row. The previously unbeaten colt broke well and had a good trip, but missed second by just a head. Norman Architecture seams to have already settled on the decision to take him to the Long Island Classic. He has shipped With Kind Regards to a farm in New York to rest, in hopes that the added distance will give him a better finish than third. I think he'll relish the added distance, as his sire is Highly Regarded, a winner of the Long Island Classic, as well as a winner at up to two miles on the dirt.
Spots in the gate are already being filled for the Long Island Classic. Though we have to wait another year without a Triple Crown winner, the excitement of the third jewel is still present. The one and a half mile journey around Long Island Park's main oval looks like it'll be run on a sloppy track, as there is rain in the forecast. Bring your umbrellas and rain boots.