Racing traded its chance for a Triple Crown winner for a three-way rivalry.
Preakness Stakes winner Curlin is headed for the Belmont Stakes while Kentucky Derby champion Street Sense will probably take a breather. Hard Spun may need a rest too after finishing second in the Derby and third in the Preakness.
The trio is truly the class of 2007 after becoming the first Derby threesome in 10 years to also to finish in the Preakness’ top three. They are remindful of 1986 when Alysheba, Bet Twice and Lost Code were clear standouts throughout the year.
“We might have an Affirmed-Alydar thing,” said Street Sense trainer Carl Nafzger of his colt and Curlin. “Hard Spun — we can’t get rid of him, either.”
Nothing beats a rivalry for generating interest, even more than a great horse. Race goers are still talking about Seabiscuit-War Admiral in the 1938 Pimlico Special. Seattle Slew-Affirmed in the 1978 Marlboro Cup after Affirmed outlasted Alydar earlier for the Triple Crown. Alysheba-Ferdinand in the 1987 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Sunday Silence-Easy Goer in the 1989 Triple Crown.
Curlin’s head victory over Street Sense was stirring, but no one in the record Preakness crowd of 121,263 on Saturday should’ve felt cheated by the outcome — no matter their betting slips.
“It was almost a match race at the end,” Curlin owner Jess Jackson said. “We had one champion with another potential champion challenging him. It couldn’t be better.”
Maybe they’ll meet in the Haskell or Travers this summer. There are many great races before the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 27. Unfortunately, there are plenty of chances to avoid each other, too. Even worse, time for breeders to lure one into retirement following another victory.
Curlin is the top 3-year-old colt. Unraced last year, he has won four of five for $1.6 million in just 3 1/2 months. A better start in the Derby might have kept Curlin undefeated.
Street Sense is a clear second despite a deceiving 4 of 9 lifetime mark. The colt is two photo losses from five straight wins. Nafzger learned from Unbridled’s poor Belmont finish after winning the 1990 Derby and Preakness runnerup that taking a break when the Triple Crown is no longer possible isn’t a bad thing.
Hard Spun has suffered some hard luck. He might have moved too soon in the Preakness after getting run down in the Derby. That’s not to say the Delaware Park wonder is third best. The son of Danzig isn’t done with the other two yet.
“The next time, let’s see, third went to first [in the Preakness]. Yeah, it’s my turn the next time,” Hard Spun trainer Larry Jones said.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
