Union Rags Wins Belmont

It doesn't get old, watching that replay. What a race and what a ride. For those of you who forget, Johnny V was Matz's original choice to ride Union Rags in the Derby but he was committed to ride Animal Kingdom in Dubai. One can only wonder what would have happened if Union Rags had a different rider on Derby Day.

But hindsight, as they say, is 20-20. Regardless of the bad luck Union Rags had in both Derbys--the Florida one and the Kentucky one, he redeemed himself in incredible form today, running a perfect race. And Matz himself has won two legs of the Triple Crown--the Derby with Barbaro and the Belmont with Union Rags. He just needs to get that Preakness bug off his back and go back there and conquer those demons. One can only hope.

To say I am thrilled with the outcome is putting it mildly. All the connections of this horse deserved this victory and to have won it in such a fashion is even more thrilling.

One last thought on the trainer's job, which is to get the horse to the starting gate. Guess who did theirs yesterday?