Back at the hotel following a LONG day that spanned 12 hours (including the always enjoyable NY traffic getting out to my hotel), this seems as good a time as any to give some hints as to what we're working on for later this week.
Spent some time with jockey Garrett Gomez and a couple of other reporters in the jockeys' room this afternoon. Gomez, as you may be aware, is at the center of the biggest "controversy" of the Belmont Stakes. He agreed to ride Hard Spun, only to find out a few days later that filly Rags to Riches (one of his usual mounts for Todd Pletcher) was going to run as well. There was some back-and-forth as to whether he would beg off Hard Spun, but in the end he decided to stick with his original commitment (a noble move, in my opinion). Anyway, it's an interesting story and really gives some insight into how jockeys go about getting and keeping big mounts. Look for that story later this week.
Also will delve into a couple of the longshots set to run. The big three - Hard Spun, Rags to Riches and of course, Curlin - will get their due, but there's a couple neat things to bring up about the other runners. Who knows, something we write about might get you to swing your allegiance one way or another. If not, well enjoy betting Curlin at even-money like so many of us did Street Sense three weeks ago).
The weather here remains picture-perfect. This morning was chilly, but the sun warmed things up nicely. It is supposed to remain dry, sunny and even hot into the weekend. Should be a fast track for the race.
So there's no Triple Crown on the line, so what? Rags to Riches gives this race a unique quality and Hard Spun and Curlin give it a grudge match feel. Plus, this race could hold a big key to how horses are pointed for the summer (remember, Saratoga isn't that far away).
More tomorrow.
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