What's Your Favorite Triple Crown Series (1979-2009)?

[smartbid09]

I agree.

I think most people would say the best two series of the last 32 years were 2007 [with Street Sense, Curlin, Hard Spun and Rags to Riches] and 1989 [with Sunday Silence and Easy Goer]. Most feel that those two years were undoubtedly classics that rank up there with any other triple crown seasons period.

But on a personal level, from a rooting stand point, my favorite year was 2004 when Smarty Jones attempted to win the triple crown. I just loved that blue collar, "little horse that could" story. It was Smarty Jones and his run for the triple crown that really made me get into horse racing. I know many other people who became interested in horse racing because of Smarty Jones too.
Smarty Mania swept the nation in 2004 and was great for the sport. I was really pulling for him to win. And very sad when he lost. Every time I watch the 2004 belmont stakes when it gets to the top of the stretch and Smarty Jones turns for home - I still think he's going to win the triple crown. And I still feel sad when he loses. This might not have been the best triple crown series but it was surly my favorite. And to me it was a classic one.