Almost Immortal, Part I
May 8, 2008
Big Brown will seek to make history by becoming the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to capture the Triple Crown. Many horses have come and gone since 1978, and they have been quite good. By my count 10 horses won the first two legs of the Triple Crown, only to falter in the Belmont. Maybe Big Brown is just that good, but lets take a look at the others who were not. Belmont betting could pay off big time this year.
Spectacular Bid (1979)- This horse is one of the greatest to step on the track. He won 26 of 30 races over his career and collected a then record $2,781,607. He counts Santa Anita Handicap, and the Strub series among his most impressive wins. After winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, he lost in the Belmont after a freak accident in the paddock in which he stepped on a safety pin. Some also question the ride from jockey Ronnie Franklin. He lost the mount, and Bill Shoemaker rode Spectacular Bid for the rest of his career. Shoemaker says Spectacular Bid is the best horse he ever rode.
Pleasant Colony (1981)- Perhaps more notable for his accomplishments as a sire, this one finished third in the Belmont Stakes. He would go on to win the Woodward after his Triple Crown attempt. He sired 5 champions, including Pleasant Tap and Pleasantly Perfect.
Alysheba (1987)- This one had a less than spectacular 2 year old season and ended up in the Kentucky Derby with only one victory. He won the first two legs of the Triple Crown, but ran a dull 4th in the Belmont after racing without Lasix which was banned in New York at the time. He would go on to be a very successful older horse. His major wins include the Santa Anita Handicap, Woodward, and Breeder’s Cup Classic.
Sunday Silence (1989)- Perhaps one of the most balanced horses of all time. Not only was he amazing on the track, but he was Japan’s leading sire for many years. His stretch duel with Easy Goer in the Preakness is the favorite race of many fans. After beating Easy Goer twice, he was crushed by his foe in the Belmont. Sunday Silence would have the last laugh, defeating Easy Goer in what shaped up as another dramatic finish in the Breeders Cup Classic.
Silver Charm (1997)- I can remember Gary Stevens saying how let down he was when this horse didn’t win the Triple Crown. He also said this was the best horse he ever rode if I recall correctly. This horse was Bob Baffert’s first Kentucky Derby winner. After impressive victories in the first two legs of the Triple Crown he finished second in the Belmont. He would go on to win the Clark Handicap, Kentucky Cup Classic, and Dubai World Cup. He now stands at stud in Japan.
