Here are my two cents:
Right after the Preakness, I thought Curlin, Street Sense, and Hard Spun would skip the Belmont for a variety of reasons, and I thought the connections of all three would be correct to pass. I really don't remember why I thought that, but it probably had something to do with the horses needing a rest.
Now, I feel differently. I have no idea at all why Nafgzer would pass, unless he thinks 12 furlongs is too far for Street Sense. He rested the horse all spring, so I don't think he's "over the top", as they say. There aren't many million-dollar races for three-year-olds, so why pass?
I thought Curlin needed a rest after the Derby, but I was clearly wrong. So I'm hesistant to say the same thing now. I think some horses are good enough to do things that most of the current generation can't do. Curlin looks like he is one of those horses.....although my gut tells me he needs a rest.
As for Hard Spun, I just think Curlin and Street Sense are better. After watching the Preakness a few more times, I don't get the feeling that Hard Spun is tired or anything. He had six weeks before the Derby, so I feel he can run his race once more before taking a break.
So, if it were up to me, I would run Street Sense and Hard Spun, and then give them a rest. I would rest Curlin until the Haskell or the Jim Dandy, and then point for the Travers and the other big fall races.
What really surprised me was Nobiz Like Shobiz being withdrawn from Belmont consideration. I wonder if something is wrong with him.
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