Exceller ONLY won because Affirmed`s saddle slipped and Seattle Slew and Affirmed raced each other into a softened up position.
Two weeks earlier Seattle Slew blew away Exceller in track record time,when Exceller did not get the benefit of Affirmesd`s saddle slip.
Everyone knew SS made the much better effort that day. And SS passed Exceller a step after the finish line. Had the JCGC remained at two miles instead of 1 1/2 miles SS would have beaten Excelleer again and by daylight.
Both Shoemaker and Codero said so. SS was getting his second wind and E#xceller was tired and spent.
