Hi guys.........first time on this board, and it's fabulous. It's nice to be able to actually talk horses - the ESPN board was a jok. Steve, this is a great set up - thanks for giving us a place to chat!
I had make my first post in response to this topic; I know it's touchy to all of the Barbaro fans out there, but I think it will be a travesty if Bernardini (using him as an example, since his Preakness was incredible and he is simply much better than the Belmont horses) wins races like the Travers and a big fall race and doesn't get the Eclipse. Oracle, I know you loved Bernardini's Preakness so I know you're unbiased when it comes to the awards, but I have to disagree with you about Barbaro not being penalized for being injured. It's not Bernardini's fault that Barbaro got injured. I'll certainly agree that the latter deserves the award if no three year old steps up and does big things, but if Bernardini does win the Jim Dandy, Travers and the Classic.....or he wins the first two and runs very well in the fall (or any combination thereof) it's simply not fair to deprive him of the Eclipse. Objectively speaking, Barbaro's record this year isn't that formidable that it can't be overcome (Florida Derby, Holy Bull, KY Derby). Bernardini's won the Withers and the Preakness, so he's one grade 1 down and he'll have his chances. His Preakness was just as good as Barbaro's Derby, objectively speaking.
I think there is way too much sentimentality going on with regards to the awards. Journalists are supposed to be objective; if Bernardini wins big the rest of the year and Barbaro still gets the Eclipse, they all ought to have their voting privleges revoked, permanently. Of course, that's a big "IF"- the races still have to be run.
FYI - I was not a big fan of Barbaro's but his breakdown was appalling and he's a special horse to be able to have even made it this far. I just wanted to let you guys know that the above is not an anti-Barbaro opinion. I admit to being a huge fan of Bernardini and I hope that fans can appreciate that here is a big, beautiful horse with the potential to be a real champion.........
|