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Originally Posted by Split Rock
IEAH
Secretariat ran 6 more times after his majestic Belmont win. It was important for the racing public to revel in his greatness for those final 4 months before he was whisked away to the breeding shed. It is already confirmed Big Brown will not race as a four year old. He needs to face Curlin in the Breeder's Cup Classic.
The IEAH group has been painted as a self absorbed, self important, lot, that cares only about being profitable. Allowing Big Brown the opportunity to face Curlin in a match up that has not been seen in racing since Easy Goer/Sunday Silence would help improve their tarnished image. Sports have been built on great showdowns. Ali/Frazier, Lakers/Celtics, Nicklaus/Palmer, Bruins/Canadians, etc. As a racing fan, the anticipation for said match up would be at an all time high. The IEAH group would certainly earn my respect for keeping Big Brown in the game through that big event.
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I don't think IEAH gives two figs for what racing fans want. Like any conglomerate, they're in this to make money. Glory and adulation is great, but it doesn't buy things, so I doubt we'll see Big Brown after the Belmont.
Which is why, though I've been waiting to see a Triple Crown since the first Derby I can remember (1983), I'm so lukewarm on this one. I can't believe it. I know, I know, don't blame the horse for his connections, but if there's someone who cares even less what I think than IEAH does, it's Big Brown.
(Or maybe I'm just mad at myself for not forking out the $$ for reserved seats back in March. I'll be eating sour grapes while I'm smooshed in with 100,000 people in three weeks. 'Cause, lukewarm as I am, I know I'm still gonna go.)