…as the Belmont Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, last leg in the Triple Crown, approaches. The rivalry between the West Coast racing establishment and the East Coast thoroughbred industry ratchets up another notch. Not since 1978 has any horse seized all three of racing’s prize jewels.
There stalks California Chrome, a west coast bred entry from regular guy Joe-owners. Steve Coburn and Perry Martin bred dam Love the Chase to Lucky Pulpit, a horse that walked in the winner’s circle only three times out of 22 starts. Love the Chase managed that status once in six races. But Coburn and Martin studied the bloodlines and saw something that amounted to a winner at a basement bargain price. With Secretariat, Seattle Slew and A.P.Indy in California Chrome’s background, they bought Love the Chase, watched California Chrome take his first steps, and began the road to glory. Next, veteran trainer Art Sherman teamed up with DAP Racing (Dumb Ass Partners) and jockey Victor Espinoza climbed in the stirrups. The DAP team has scored big-time twice.
It’s still a horse race. Social Inclusion and Ride On Curlin remain challengers as do seven other horses. Nothing is final until those big-hearted, glorious animals pound across the finish line June 7.
Nancy Hartney 
I watched the Derby. The owners looked so happy when California Chrome won–not because of the money or because of an arrogant sense of pride, but because they were genuinely thrilled for their horse. It was an exciting race, but I think the best part was the joy on their faces at the end for the little horse that could. It’ll be interesting to see what more this horse does.
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Thanks Staci for the comment. Fun to see the underdog, little guy win.
On Mon, May 19, 2014 at 9:21 AM, Nancy Hartney wrote:
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Staci, yes you have it nailed- joy for their horse. It’s fun when the underdog, little feller wins.
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Reblogged this on SUDAN FACES and commented:
Interesting article. A scroll through shows a lot more of interest. Bravo!
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Really interesting article. I scrolled through and found lots more of interest.
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OK. I thought the first didn’t go through, so repeated. Sorry…
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His win in the Derby was decisive and in the Preakness looked like he might have wanted a longer race. It would be nice to see a Triple Crown. Who better to win than the horse of a senior citizen trainer.
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Next to the little guy breeders, having a ‘senior’ trainer is the best part.
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Are you blogging now? My Pinto Silky writes a blog. See silkypinto.blogspot.com Actually, before you get it all typed in google it will come up. Can’t do daily but try to get weekly. Best Wishes, Helen Check out helenhogan.com for a preview of my newest novel, RIDGECREST RESCUE
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I was pulling from Chrome, but he turned into a lead-foot instead. That’s a long dry spell without a Triple Crown winner. Baseball went 45 years between Triple Crown winners. It’s quite a feat to make it through the grind while everyone is trying to knock you off the top of the heap.
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His owner had a good point, but since the Triple Crown has such a long history any change would make any new winner suspect.
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The comments made by Chrome owner in a fit of disappointment have merit indeed. However, I agree with you Helen, that it would change the standard and throw suspicion on future races.
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