remember war emblem?

Thought it worthwhile to post the two pics, one each of War Emblem and Big Brown, both right after the start of their respective tries for the Triple Crown. Both horses stumbled at the break and went on to run poorly. More often than not, a shaky break, where the horse goes sideways, up or down from the bell, can portend of other issues at hand, whether they be physical, mental or a combination of the two. Some of you wise guys are recalling Rags to Riches, of course, who stumbled, as well, but went on to win the Belmont over Curlin. I'd argue that the stumble actually helped her, setting her up to sit off a slow pace and then explode for the few furlongs (her best game, especially against Curlin), but in the larger scheme, remember that she only ran the once more, months later in the Gazelle, before retiring due to injury. Was she dealing with the ailment way back in June? Maybe, maybe not.

Anyway, after his bad break in the Belmont, Big Brown's performance wasn't much of a surprise. He got frustrated, then the jockey got frustrated and then they both decided that they'd rather not play anymore (though Kent D. isn't allowed to pick up his ball and go home like the horse did). The IEAH guys, whether you like them or not, deserve credit for managing the horse really well, bringing him along as they did, and, most importantly, pressuring the Three Chimneys crew to ink the deal before the whole house of cards came crashing down. Had he won the Derby, do you think Baffert pushes to sell w/ Point Given before or after the Belmont, let alone the Preakness? After, of course. IEAH knew it was on borrowed time and put the screws to the Clay kid to maximize the score. Now Three Chimney's is in a spot where they need to restore some of the shine before shipping Big Brown off to Kentucky. My gut is that he romps in the Jim Dandy and is subsequently retired. No sense in trying him again at the 1m 1/4 in the Travers against some of the late-comers. Obviously, the Classic against older, Curlin or no Curlin, isn't in the cards. Just have to do enough to make the $100,000+ stud fee stand. I don't get it, what with the way the colt moves (not as the heavens drew it up, I assure you), but that's got to be the plan.