Racetrack Lenny

Miracles Do Happen- Afleet Feet!

What could have ended as one of the most horrific incidents in the Triple Crown series turned into a fairy tale ending that just took one's breath away. Yesterday's victory by Afleet Alex was the greatest display of athleticism I have ever seen or probably will see. Anything negative I've ever said about Jeremy Rose is taken back and officially retracted! He showed his incredible athleticism by hanging on for dear life (and, yes, he could have been killed) and somehow getting Afleet Alex to right himself up--and go on to win by nearly 5 widening lengths.

For those that missed the race, here's what happened. Scrappy T (Ramon Dominguez up) had convincingly taken over the lead from High Limit midway on the far turn. As the field turned for home, Scrappy T had the lead and Afleet Alex was commencing a powerful rally on the outside passing horses one by one. Just when Afleet Alex was getting poised to surpass Scrappy T, Ramon Dominguez went to the whip and Scrappy T ducked away from the whip by swerving sharply to the right cutting off Afleet Alex. They clipped heels with the result being that Afleet Alex went down on his knees with his nose just barely off the track and Jeremy Rose hanging onto Afleet Alex's mane for dear life. Somehow, Afleet Alex managed not to fall and Jeremy Rose somehow managed to hang on. Once Afleet Alex was back up, Jeremy Rose went to the whip, angled Afleet Alex to the inside of Scrappy T and Afleet Alex took command and drew off for the victory. What could have been a tragedy will become the stuff of legend.

To the immense credit of both jockeys, they displayed unbelievable class about the incident. Jeremy Rose admitted he thought this was where everything would end; but, he didn't fault Ramon Dominguez. He knew Ramon would never do something like this on purpose. That's the good thing about both these jockeys having raced in the Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey circuits. They know each other and have a great respect for one another. For his part, Ramon Dominguez felt awful that he imperiled another rider for a situation he had little ability to control. This was Dominguez's first time aboard Scrappy T and, for whatever reason, the horse got spooked causing him to blow the far turn--exactly as Scrappy T had done in the Withers Stakes in April. Norberto Arroyo was aboard in the Withers and the failure to negotiate the turn caused him to be dumped in favor of Dominguez. Now we know it's not the jockey, it's the horse. Dominguez apologized profusely to Jeremy Rose and showed real class.

As for Scrappy T, thoroughbred racing should have a rule similar to what harness racing has. In harness racing, if a horse breaks stride in 2 races, he has to run a qualifying race in order to demonstrate that his bad habits have been overcome. Thoroughbred racing should consider a similar rule. Things worked out great yesterday; but, what if they didn't? Scrappy T has blown turns in his career and obviously isn't over his tendency to continue to do it. He should have to demonstrate in some form of qualifying race that his bad habits have been cured.

For those that followed my win, place, show and exacta bets, congratulations. It was a nice payoff that made up for the fluky Derby.

Now, on to Belmont on June 11th. Stay tuned.

Racetrack Lenny

racetrack lenny went to the post at @ 4:08 PM