Odds and Ends

So now we know. Rachel Alexandra, as expected is skipping the Belmont and Calvin Borel will ride Mine That Bird. What do you think? Good or bad for attendance?

I would like to see some PR about Borel's possible personal Triple Crown--albeit on 2 different horses--and some thoughtful pieces about why it seems the only way to win a Triple Crown these days is on 2 different horses. I don't think NYRA should focus on the loss of Rachel but rather the presence of the Kentucky Derby winning team of MTB and Borel. If done properly, I don't see why attendance wouldn't be strong.

True Rachel has quite a following and quite a good story but so does Mine That Bird--a scrappy, little horse who certainly proved he was for real in the Preakness. I have said all along that I though he was bred to win the Belmont, so we'll soon find out if I'm right.

In other news, those who were worried about the status of the Barbaro Brother's blog, need not worry. Ron Mitchell of Bloodhorse is taking over and will be continuing posting updates. No official word as to why previous blogster Amanda Duckworth was let go, although I think she was always freelance and Bloodhorse may have wanted the blog back officially in house.

And in the toot your own horn department, my thesis was accepted for presentation at the 8th Annual International Conference of the Humanities in Hawaii next January!

Aloha!