The 2012 Belmont Stakes, with I'll Have Another bidding for horse racing's first Triple Crown since 1978, is now just two days away. Here are a few stories of interest this morning as a field of 12 prepares for the race.
2012 Belmont Stakes: Dullahan looks to play spoiler as I’ll Have Another chases Triple Crown - The Washington Post
To hear the connections of Dullahan tell it, they’ll have no less than the spirits of the sport’s greatest runners pushing their horse in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes.
"It’s our job," said Jerry Crawford, leader of the colt’s Iowa-based ownership team, when asked about the chance at spoiling a Triple Crown bid. "This is what we owe to Affirmed, Seattle Slew and the rest."
Belmont Stakes 2012: Dullahan tops cast of Triple Crown spoilers | Daily Racing Form
Dullahan will make his 10th career start Saturday in the $1 million Belmont Stakes at 1 1/2 miles at Belmont Park. He is listed as the 5-1 second choice on the morning line.
Since racing has not had a Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978, some people believe it would be good for the sport if I'll Have Another completes the Triple Crown on Saturday.
If someone beats him, there are likely to be plenty of boos cascading down at the winning connections from the expected 100,000 fans at Belmont Park.
[Dullahan trainer Daile] Romans says bring it on.
"A hundred thousand New Yorkers booing me would be just fine," Romans said. "They're all sportsmen though; they'd get over it the next day."
McNairs Shoot for Repeat With Street Life | BloodHorse.com
Robert McNair hopes history repeats itself June 9 when Street Life, whom he co-owns, seeks to spoil the Triple Crown party of I'll Have Another. McNair owned part of Touch Gold, who denied Silver Charm the 1997 Triple Crown.
Secretariat, I'll Have Another and Horse Racing's Triple Crown Lineage (via sbnation)