union rags

[Merlinsky]

Originally Posted by Kasept

If you're on the Union Rags bandwagon, don't miss the archived Hour 1 today for Johnny's extensive comments on him (followed by Angel Cordero's thoughts and Steve Davidowitz' as well). Plus, Johnny relives Rags to Riches' 2007 Belmont win.

DIRECT LINK: http://tinyurl.com/7ajvamb

NOTEWORTHY: Velazquez 6/1-3-1 in Belmont since '06 with problematic Animal Kingdom journey the lone off-board experience...

Union Rags is definitely a horse with talent and charisma. I'm torn between wanting him to manifest everything I think he's capable of and, well you know, not wanting him to do it this particular race. Haskin's right, that Champagne indicates so much of what he can do.

If he (or anybody else) puts it together, I hope that I'll Have Another's just that much better on the day (sometimes there's a difference between losing and not happening to win the race but putting in an effort that might've on any other day). The sport and the fans win if we get a Triple Crown or even a denied Crown and everybody brings their A game and goes home safe and sound. We don't get saved by a TC. We get saved when more people understand what they can see and feel in a horse race. Races like Curlin/Rags in the Belmont do that, and with history on the line, that many more people have the opportunity to feel the rush, whatever the outcome. Having my druthers, I'd like to cry like a big baby for a Triple Crown winner. Definitely won't bother trying to rein it in if that happens.