Is Borel shut out of the Derby?

[philcski]

Originally Posted by Kasept

I'm as big a critic of Borel as there is, but in fairness to him, recall that he is still working his way back from very severe injuries in that Jackpot incident. It takes jocks a minimum of 6 months to get back into shape and groove after a lay-up like he had.

On a couple of other fronts brought up here, he of course has no business being placed on the HOF ballot considering a guy like Rich Migliore hasn't been on it and has maybe 4 times the graded stake wins that Borel has. And I'm curious why not one person writing about the HOF topic has brought up the well-known reputation Borel has as a machine rider? Or is that going to be conveniently avoided since he's won 3 Derbys?

Regarding the Street Sense Derby and any Derby for that matter, the inside can be an ideal place to be as horses 'get out' and off the rail as they tire. It wasn't magical that the path seemed to clear for Street Sense as he rallied. It's predictable. And I wouldn't pay respects to Curlin in acknowledging Street Sense that day. I'd pay them to Hard Spun who ran an unbelievable race.

I love Mig (who doesn't?) because he's a superb human being and a great jockey, but I think you're off here on your estimations. By my count Rich has 96 graded stakes wins including 1 BC win, and 4,450 wins overall. Calvin has 64 graded stakes including 1 BC win, 3 Derbies, 1 Preakness, and about 5,000 wins overall. Both resumes are pretty stellar.