Post-Derby Blues

The week after Derby is always tough.

There's an annual adrenaline rush leading up to 6:00 pm on the first Saturday in May. After the race, a natural come-down.

This year the excitement and euphoria at Churchill lost altitude in a hurry when the ultra-game filly, Eight Belles, broke down. From there it didn't take long for advocacy groups like PETA to cry foul.

On the one hand, I understand PETA's position. Advocacy is all about public relations, and often times you have to scream just to be heard. But when you scream for the sake of would-be headlines, you sacrifice understanding the context of a situation.

And in Eight Belles case, the context is everything.

When Eight Belles broke both of her front ankles after the finish line on Saturday and had to be euthanized, it was a freak accident, nothing more. I have watched at least 10,000 horse races in my life, and this is the only time I've seen a horse put-down due to an injury that occurred past the wire.

Thoroughbreds are breed, born, and live to race. Ask any trainer about the way a horse's ears perk up on race day or the extra life in their gallop right before a race. Thoroughbreds know when they're entering the arena, and they chomp at the bit (literally) until the starting gates open up.

I would also remind PETA of the following: most thoroughbreds are superbly (and ethically!) cared for by barn hands and trainers. Horsemen aren't hunters or profiteers. Horse racing is a money-losing endeavor for the vast majority of owners, but they forge ahead anyway for a singular reason: they love the animals.

But inevitably, when 1200 pounds are carried atop four scrawny legs, fatal missteps will happen. Missteps happen on bluegrass horse farms, and they happen at Churchill Downs.

Would Eight Belles be alive today had she not raced on Saturday? Sure. Do freak accidents happen which kill people every day: you'd better believe it.

Accordingly, I side with those inclined to celebrate Eight Belles' nearly unblemished career -- even if cut short. If there's one thing I'm sure of it's that this filly deserves our praise.

She was so superb on Saturday, burying all but one of the boys. Truthfully, I didn't think she was good enough to handle the colts.

She was. And then some.

As for the lone horse that beat the filly, he could be horse racing's first king in thirty years: worthy of the Triple Crown.

I watched the race from my standard spot by the Jumbotron in turn one on Saturday. When I saw Big Brown relax just off the lead and cruise through the opening half-mile I turned to the guy next to me and said, "this race is over."

Was it ever.

Only one horse in the last 133 years had won from the #20 post; that didn't deter Big Brown. No horse in the last ninety years had won the Derby after only three lifetime starts, but lack of experience wasn't an issue for him either.

Big Brown made me pay for betting against him. He won going away. What's even more scary, he did it with ease.

Meanwhile, I'd be surprised in the other pre-race favorites, Pryo and Colonel John, opt for another round with Big Brown in the Preakness. The took their shot and got throttled; I bet their barns will save them for later in the year.

Regardless of who tempts the starting gate in ten days time, Big Brown is assured of being a gynormous favorite. He has earned it and then some; he's the hottest ticket on dirt.

Admittedly, looking ahead in this sport is asking for trouble. A racing season can unfold in a million different directions. But kids dream about Santa in March, just as my thoughts drift to Santa Anita this October.

If Big Brown continues to demolish this crop of three year-olds and wins the Triple Crown, his year will have only begun. At Santa Anita, in the Breeder's Cup Classic, he'll face a proven superstar who has been toying with the best horses in the world.

That's right, Curlin waits in the wings.

Mark my words: if we get an undefeated Big Brown vs. Curlin in the Breeder's Cup Classic, it will be the biggest show-down in racing in 30 years. Shiver me timbers what a prospect.

A word to the wise: look into travel arrangements now.