Hard Spun Likes Recycled Rubber
Derby Placed Colt Finds New Footing Favorable, Gets Racing Respect
May 13, 2007
Larry Jones trained a winner in Kentucky Derby second place finisher Hard Spun. Previous to his Derby entry, Hard Spun had won five of six races on Polytrack. At Churchill Downs May 5, Hard Spun decided he didn't need Polytrack to run well, or to hype his resume. He just ran...and ran and ran.
Huge Run Off Polytrack
Hard Spun never stopped in the Derby. Under the guidance of Maryland's all-time victory leader, jockey Mario Pino, Hard Spun turned in a performance that had win written all over it. It wasn't the speediest show. It wasn't overwhelming.
It was a huge adjustment and the picture of consistency. If not for the more powerful run of Street Sense, it would have been a triumph.
Hard Spun did win by 5-3/4 lengths over Curlin, the show horse, one of four pre-Derby favorites who didn't fire to challenge for the blanket of roses. Hard Spun belongs.
Spit and Vinegar
Pino reported from Delaware Park the Monday after Derby day that Hard Spun appeared still fresh, full of spit and vinegar. He bit his jockey in the finger. Apparently, this is a good thing; as someone observing the toothy response of horse to jockey pointed out that Hard Spun probably thought Pino was Calvin Borel (who won the Derby on favorite Street Sense, the only horse to pass Hard Spun).
Next Saturday's Preakness Stakes will feature a rematch between Hard Spun and Street Sense. The distance, 1/16 mile less, may fovor Hard Spun, who likes to front run and gallop away in races that lack speed. Street Sense, on the other hand, has proven himself to be a tough and clever closer, no matter the number of furlongs covered. The Derby, however, was not run at a fast clip.
Pino looks for a fun competition with Street Sense. He describes the 1-2 Derby finishers as equally class acts.
Borel on Parade
In the meantime, Borel went on a publicity blur, including a stop at the White House, before returning to his normal home base riding duties at Churchill Downs. The first time Derby winner thanked everyone May 5, including God and his mom after his perfect Derby race. The number one recipient of his gratitude was his mount, the unstoppable Street Sense. Borel grabbed the large sponge from a water bucket full of suds carried to the Derby winner's circle and bathed his best Derby buddy's head and rump.
The Derby winners' pictures were about to be taken on their home track. Borel wanted his best hoof forward.The Derby track, fast, but recently drenched from loads of rainfall, had matted Street Sense, who ran from the 19th position to first, collecting a wall of mud in the process.
No Classic Polytrack
Polytrack, replete with sand slicked by wax, recycled rubber, and synthetic fiber, is an all weather surface. The Triple Crown classic races have not adopted Polytrack...yet.
