Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice . . .
It is that time of year again. We saw, we believe, we prepare to be fooled again. Orb dominated the Derby. He’s the one. Dutifully tutored in the old school, the soft-stepping 3-year-old colt has become the latest horse to pull the Triple Crown float, the sport is his to market, promote, resurrect and rescue. Win this and it’s bedlam for the next three weeks as the sport has its poster child, its presidential candidate.
As one of my mentors used to say, “What’s not to like?” Indeed, what’s not to like? Bred to get the Triple Crown and back, Orb seasoned in his first three starts before coming around to win five in a row including the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago. Orb has trained like a soldier; focused and determined on the track, relaxed and aloof the rest of the time. Exercise rider Jenn Patterson gushes when she talks about him. I still think I could make a living analyzing exercise rider’s expressions as they pull up a horse – you can sense fear, elation, awe. Patterson is awed. Same goes for trainers, while they’re walking back to the barn after their horse gallops. You can sense stress, confidence, contentment. Trainer Shug McGaughey is content – at least for a trainer, at least for Shug.
It feels good. It feels right.
But haven’t we been here before?
This will be my 13th Preakness, since changing third Saturday-in-May locations from Radnor to Pimlico. My belief has ebbed and flowed throughout the years. I didn’t believe in War Emblem, didn’t really feel anything when he won. Funny Cide made me a believer, but I knew Empire Maker was lurking. I fell for Smarty Jones – hook, line and Birdstone. Barbaro, oh sweet Barbaro, I felt it in my soul. I wrestled with Big Brown – head saying yes, heart saying no. Animal Kingdom had me convinced, until Shackleford refused to waver. I respected I’ll Have Another, but saw him disappear in front of my eyes from the time he crossed the wire to when he walked out of the winner’s circle, I wasn’t surprised when he scratched from the Belmont Stakes.
This year, I believe in Orb, believe in his pedigree, his program, his ability, his owners, his trainer, his jockey, his exercise rider, his fate.
And, yes, I believe we’ve been here before.
