I admit that I was pretty disgruntled when Big Brown won with only 3 career starts, but any similar concern I would normally have about a Belmont winner in his 3rd lifetime start has to take a back seat in this instance. I'm sure that Casino Drive would still be running around somewhere on the Pacific Rim if it wasn't for who his mom is.
Last year, I was amazed by the fact that Set Them Free had a legitimate opportunity to become the dam of two Kentucky Derby winners (non-consecutively of course). At that time, the thought of Rags in the Belmont hadn't even solidified in my head.
The possibility that Better Than Honor could produce three consecutive Belmont winners is just simply staggering! The two she's already accomplished are unprecedented, and one of them being a filly no less! I wouldn't care if Casino Drive came into this Belmont as an unraced maiden, I would still be rooting hard for history to be made the likes of which we'll never see again!
That would indeed be quite a feat Pas. And what you say makes a lot of sense about the presence of this one. I do question the connections' wisdom in putting Desormeaux in the irons though. Not due to anything negative about Kent, but what dilemma it may present if Casino proves out to be a legit Belmont contender and Big Brown comes through the Preakness three weeks later.
I am looking forward to this race and it will be interesting to see how Casino Drive gets bet. Kent gets to ride some horses and I may play #6 Ready's Echo, depending on the odds.
I'm sticking with Tomcito. I still think we haven't seen his best and beside BB he might turn out to be one of the best of his generation.
Steve
P.S. He might even be better than Court Vision!! (I'm allowed to poke fun at myself; don't anyone else try).
Timmye,
I was at Freehold for the day and they didn't take Belmont action. I had to be content losing money on what was available! Hey Dudley, I said no poking fun allowed.
Steve
Seriously. What's the story with Tomcito? For a horse who will go 1 1/2 miles and is put into the "plodder" category by you guys, he sure works quickly. 4 furlongs in 46 and change, 5 furlongs in 59. This aint no ordinary plodder. Seems like he has to be put closer to the pace instead of coming from the clouds. Hopefully the jockey change will help.
Steve
Steve, I like Tomcito. His real running style is yet to be determined here in America. Looks like a deep closer, but maybe he'll turn into more of a closer closer here in the States. I think he's got to be approached with wariness tomorrow, considering he's never raced in the slop, and he's never raced a one turn mile or 1 1/8 in this case. Which brings up COSMIC, who does have experience in the slop, and is the only horse in the race who's run at the long 1 turn distance.
Being a long time Shug fan, and with his impeccable breeding (Cosmic, not Shug), I've also had my eye on Cosmic since he started his career. I'll have to keep an eye on the tote, but at a price, he's certainly worth a shot.
Steve
Nice article in the NY Times today on Casino Drive. Owner said that if the horse was capable, not running him in the Belmont would be incredibly unsporting. That's why he shipped him half way across the world. Pretty cool.
Think Golden Spikes just takes 'em wire to wire? On pedigree, he shouldn't mind a sloppy track. Interesting choice of Kent D on Casino Drive.... Same with Tomcito. Chop Chop worked him all winter so I am surprised they changed.
Not sure what to make of Cosmic. Same type of horse from Shug's barn that's burned me sooooo many times before.
Ozzy...on COSMIC.....I feel your pain. I've had the same experience with Shug's horses. His really good ones, which I believe COSMIC is. I'd be ahead quite a bit if I bet them all for show. They've burned me so many times in the win spot. I think COSMIC still offers some good value tomorrow in the win spot if he goes off north of 5/1. He does figure to sit the perfect stalking trip, clear on the outside not getting pelted with mud, first run at the early speed, and his pedigree I believe suggests he'll take to the slop. I'll have him, but just because he's trained by Shug, won't bet the farm on him. I'll wait for the Belmont for that, should COSMIC make the gate in that one. I'm not terribly concerned about Casino Drive. He is the definition of a horse that needs a race, unless he's a freak. A little concerned about Tomcito. I'd like to see all 3 of them run well and then run back in the Belmont.
Since I've had a Steve-esque thing for Tomcito since day one I'll play a Tomcito, Ready's Echo, and Casino Drive exacta and tri...with Tomcito across...and turn my attention to the Pistons,Magic...
then finish burning all the Derek Trucks stuff I can find on Limewire. Thanks for reminding me about Trucks Spiderman...a friend caught Clapton in San Antonio last year and came back telling me this young slide bar player stole the show from EC...come to find out it was Trucks! Move over Kenny Wayne and Johnny Lang...lol...
Good luck!