Working way back home and made it to mid-Ohio. As I blurted on twitter on the way out of Louisville, a few quick thoughts..
Was a thoroughly satisfying Derby result as the best story -- which rarely wins -- came through. Impossible to not be happy for all involved with California Chrome. Could the Art Sherman story be more idyllic? It's connect the dots of the game's great history while displaying what the racetrack as a lifestyle choice can mean.
Beyond Sherman and his family, obviously many share in this win like Victor Espinoza and most notably his older brother Jose. Years ago I asked Victor about Jose on the air and you could tell he reveres him. Now the 2 time Derby winner is helping his elder sibling deal with the maddening end to his career on doctor's terms.
Then there's California Chrome and first time breeders Martin & Coburn. The plain-ish chestnut is product bridging two of the historic regional pillars of breeding and racing we have in the game in Maryland (dam) and California (sire). The $2,500 stud fee for Pulpit son Lucky Pulpit and the dam that was woven from stock matched by Maryland's Dr. Tom Bowman off of mares created by the likes of John Hettinger, Eugene Klein, Warner Jones & Will Farish.
We'll see where it goes from here, but it's always a good Derby when the best horse wins. This one is enhanced by the tangential elements that boost into a fairy tale. I hope everyone enjoyed Derby-Oaks and did well. On to Rochester to meet Tina and Zack for brunch and then home!
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All ambitions are lawful except those which climb upward on the miseries or credulities of mankind. ~ Joseph Conrad
A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right. ~ Thomas Paine
Don't let anyone tell you that your dreams can't come true. They are only afraid that theirs won't and yours will. ~ Robert Evans
The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command. ~ George Orwell, 1984.
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