2009 Triple Crown - Lessons Learned

by Patricia Woo | Jun 8 2009

As the curtain closes on the 2009 Triple Crown series, Bodog Racebook takes a look at some of the lessons we can learn in anticipation of the 2010 Triple Crown.

1.    Never count out the underdog.
While all eyes were trained on the likes of I Want Revenge, Pioneerof the Nile and Friesan Fire in the 2009 Kentucky Derby - and rightfully so, given their stellar performances in the prep races leading up to the Run for the Roses - a little horse named Mine That Bird was given 50-1 odds to win the Kentucky Derby - which he did. As the Chip Woolley trainee was the second longest shot to ever win the Kentucky Derby, it's not likely to happen again next year. But don't automatically discount the underdog. Even if he did finish dead last in the 2008 Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

2.    Jockeys do more than just ride.
In the hands of any other rider, Mine That Bird's Kentucky Derby result may not have been a trip to the winner's circle and a blanket of roses. Calvin Borel's masterful ride played a big role in getting the Birdstone gelding to the wire first. And in the Belmont Stakes, it was Kent Desormeaux - who has seen two Triple Crowns slip away in previous years - who was the key to victory. Asking Summer Bird to find that higher gear at the perfect moment paid off to the tune of $600,000. So next year, if you're having trouble picking a contender for the 2010 Triple Crown, take a look at who's in the saddle.

3.    Keep one eye on the Kentucky Oaks.
Female horses don't usually compete in the Triple Crown series, unless they are exceptional - and Rachel Alexandra certainly fit that bill. She dominated the prep races leading up to the Kentucky Oaks - and blew away the competition with a 20 1/4-length romp. After being sold to Jess Jackson's Stonestreet Stables and Harold T. McCormick, Rachel Alexandra was entered into the Preakness Stakes. And even though she didn't handle the track especially well, according to jockey Calvin Borel , she still found a way to win. So pay attention to the top 3-year-old females next year: there just might be another Rachel Alexandra.

4.    Don't forget a horse's pedigree.
Unbridled's Song was the sire that everyone was talking about at the start of the year, with two top Triple Crown contenders on the road to the Kentucky Derby - 2008 Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Midshipman and Remsen Stakes-winning Old Fashioned. But after injuries forced those two colts to the sidelines, Kentucky Derby berths opened up for two sons of 2004 Belmont Stakes winning-Birdstone: Mine That Bird (who ended up winning the Kentucky Derby and coming in third in the Belmont Stakes) and Summer Bird (who won the Belmont Stakes). So check out the pedigree sheets - you might be surprised at who has the pedigree to become a champion.

5.    The 2010 Triple Crown is just around the corner.
If you missed out on all the horse racing excitement and drama of the 2009 Triple Crown, don't worry.  There's always next year... and who knows, 2010 could be the year of a Triple Crown champion.

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