The Brothers of Barbaro

During my thesis presentation last week, complete with a slide of the Barbaro statue dedication last month, I commented that the story had literal and figurative legs. It seems as if the beat goes on and on.

Also last week, the New York Times carried an article by Bill Finely about Nicanor's stunning victory, reminiscent of you-know-who's equally thrilling maiden special weight debut four years ago. Both races were on the turf at Delaware Park. Even Michael Matz had to admit, "Those races, they looked awfully similar. It was pretty amazing."

The difference, of course, is that Barbaro won his the first time out, while this was Nicanor's fourth try. It is possible, as many speculate, that the turf makes all the difference for these sons of Dynaformer.

Matz feels that both Nicanor and his late brother handled both surfaces pretty well, but not one to tamper with success, he will run Nicanor back on the turf. It is possible he will run next in an allowance race at Delaware, and then perhaps in the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs. "I always thought he was a good horse," says Matz. "The distance won't be a problem for him. He really took to the turf but so did Barbaro. Barbaro had such a big heart. That's still what we have to find out with Nicanor. It looks like the ability is there."

Rumor has it that Lentenor, who has recently moved to Matz's Fair Hill training operation from Florida, is even more reminiscent of his late brother. He is expected to make his first start as a two year old--perhaps in the Fall--and don't be surprised if you see him follow a path very similar to Barbaro's.

After all, if it worked once...