Tarnish it? You can't take the Derby win away, even if he comes in dead last. What you do is go for the Triple Crown, which is what horse racing is supposed to be about. Rich Strike winning the Triple Crown would be the greatest story in the history of horse racing - you go for it. Hell, holding him out IMPLIES the owners think he may crap the bed, which also "tarnishes" it.
This is yet again about the "new" face of sports. Since when do KD winners skip the next race? It's a recent and ridiculous phenomena. It's about money, not "tarnishing" the horse (although I guess it amounts to the same). They are afraid of their multi-million dollar stud horse for the next 25 years breaking his leg. I guess they should just put him in bubble wrap now for the rest of his life, only taking him out to jerk him off into a cup.
For supporting this nonsense, it may be time to let you go, along with the dolts who actually liked your post.
Ox so it turns out you don't like money? Of course this is partly about money.
Odds of the horse placing high in a shorter Preakness are not good, when everybody and his brother knows that a fast first pace will help Quick Strike.
Assume for the minute the owners care about the horse. The triple is not good for horses, even those who are used to quick turn around. Quick Strike is not.
If he sits this out he has a better chance to do something in the Belmont, the longest race of the three. It is possible that he can use his closing speed to pass horse tired out by a very long race.
NBC is pissed. Fox is happy. Welcome to the new world.
From what little I know about the situation, if I were the owner I'd do the same thing.
So I'm now a candidate to be let go. Please, for all that is holy, let me go. I like money. And yeah I also care a little about the horse.
