The Wrong Bird!

What can I say? I had the wrong Bird as did many others. But that Birdstone pedigree certainly prevails at the Belmont's distance. How about that for a first crop--a Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner as well as a second in the Preakness and a third in the Belmont. Watch that horse's stud book fill up faster than you can say Bird in the hand!

As for the race itself, I think Calvin made his move too soon but it seems like it was the horse who wanted to make that move. When I saw him begin to make his move along the back stretch I knew it was too early. That stretch at Belmont is endless. If he had waited until they turned for home, I think he would have been better off.

Remember Mine That Bird was able to make a flying finish in both the other Triple Crown races because he was technically just galloping for most of the race while the other horses ran themselves out. This time, when he tried to run with the others, in the longest of the Triple Crown races, he too did not have enough left at the finish.

Not so his half brother, Summer Bird, who bided his time on the rail until he could make his move, about halfway down that endless homestretch. Perfect timing with a lot of horse left.

Birdstone may have spoiled the Triple Crown for Smarty Jones but he also stamped his first crop with those same spoiler genes. He is one hot sire...Why not send Rachel Alexandra to him?