[redwitch]

California Chrome's owner had some very valid points. This is not a new complaint -- it is just the first time it has been said so vocally and so stridently.

It is hard on a horse to train for three races that close together. These are not short jaunts for a race horse. Imagine a distance runner training for the Olympics and the World to be run within a month of each other. The chances of winning the World would be slim -- the body hasn't fully recovered from the first race. Same thing with a Triple Crown horse. Please note that none of the horses that participated in the Preakness placed in Belmont. A fresh horse has a much better chance of winning and usually does.

I'm sorry Chrome didn't win but really didn't think it had a chance. Heck, I was surprised he won the Preakness. Chrome is a small horse. Secretariat was a big boy -- more stamina, more strength but I think Chrome showed a lot for heart.

The biggest problem if Coburn's wishes were followed would be that the Belmont would be a one-horse race. Why would owners put their horses through the strain and risk of injury when only one horse would be a contender for the Triple Crown? As it was, I think only three horses participated in all three races (Chrome, General A Rod, Ride on Curlin).

Even so, I think the bigger error was on the jockey -- Chrome is a front runner and loves the inside. Espinosa needed to either keep Chrome on the rail or start moving him earlier. His excuse that Chrome didn't feel right from the beginning doesn't seem true to me -- Chrome ran great when he was told to run.