News You Can Use: Triple Crown 24 (And It's Relevant!)

Original article written by Matt Woolfolk posted 15 years 0 weeks ago

You all know by now I can hardly write an article in which I present any serious, relevant information. Behold! I come forth with some smashing SIM news, and this time it is for real!

Buckingham, winner of Derby 24, will not be running in any of the remaining Triple Crown races. That's right; Buckingham is NOT going to Baltimore, and he will not be in New York either! I am sure you all want me to put a funny spin on this story, but there really isn't much way to spin this news. Buckingham is the first Derby winner since Loki Dynasty to skip the second leg of the SIM Triple Crown, and he went up north to win the Canadian Triple Crown. While Buckingham may or may not be of the caliber of Loki Dynasty, this move is certainly intriguing. Trainer Alysse Jacobs cites the short turn-around as reason enough for not going to Baltimore, and she feels the colt is not bred to handle the 12 furlongs the Long Island Classic distance. Both of Jacobs' claims are valid, as the son of End of the Line out of Tiara is not quite bred to handle the added distance of New York's classic race, and one week is a short rest for a horse who has run all spring.

This is where the article becomes opinion and less fact. As winner of the Derby, Buckingham owes the racing community the privilege of seeing him in Baltimore. The only viable reason for no Buckingham in Baltimore is a severe allergic reaction to seafood. If Bucky can't handle the crab cakes without dying, then maybe he is not ready for Baltimore. Yet, I do not think this is the case. I am not criticizing Alysse's decision (ok, maybe I am just a little bit), but racing loses a major appeal when there is no Triple Crown bid still at stake. When the Derby winner does not even show up, then that eliminates the thrill of the Triple Crown bid without opening the gate. Had Buckingham decided to go to Baltimore, and then been beaten, then not going to New York is ok with me and much of the racing world. But, by not dancing the dance, we will never know if he had it in him to win the Crown, both the Baltimore and Triple. One could argue that he is ducking a fairly strong field in Baltimore, but that claim can be shot down in three simple words: Louisville Derby Champion. That is the beauty of this situation. Jacobs has shown he is the best horse in the crop, and she is looking out for her horse, but racing is missing out on what could be a great Buckingham-Fable rivalry in Baltimore. Plus, I really need the Triple Crown Trail Points Buckingham could have scored for me (and everyone else)!

There you have it, the bombshell on Baltimore. No Buckingham. No Triple Crown at stake. I might as well go to an Orioles game that Saturday. The story appeal of the Crown is gone.

Just bet Heed the Warning and watch Wilson dance around in the emergency room if he wins.

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