Winners Don’t Whine

by Ed Meyer

posted on July 27, 2008 in Breeders Cup, General Discussion, Other Events | No Comments >>

Did everyone see the “Go for Wand” stakes?

If you did, you saw the best race of the weekend. Trainer Bobby Frankel must have been having a baby knowing that he had by far the best filly, and had nowhere to go…. The 1 1/4 event was a ‘win and you’re in’ event for the Breeders’ Cup. The winners of selected races automatically receive an invitation to the big dance. So the big stress was on once again, and the clouds were starting to form over the Spa.

The stage was set, and Frankel felt pretty confident having the odds-on favorite going to post. Top notch jock Rafael Bejarano was in from the West Coast, and he is a rider who makes very few mistakes. He has climbed the ranks at a break neck pace, and when you mention the best in the land his name is not far from the top.

She acted up behind the gate just a little, and the pace was going to be a factor. Ultimately it played right into her wheelhouse as it was a slow pace overall. Moon Catcher set the fractions, and Ginger Punch was trapped down on the rail. At the top of the lane, Bejarano made his way through a hole that you couldn’t throw a playing card through. Once she made her way into the gap it opened up very nicely. Down the lane a patented Bejarano ride came into play, and the rest was history. Frankel was wiping the sweat off of his brow, the bridge jumpers climbed back onto the bridge, and everyone seemed to be happy. Except one.

In a rare moment, Rafael Bejarano complained. He was hemmed in, and blamed Robby Albarado for keeping him in tight. Welcome to the big leagues kid. Cajun riders have been doing that since they were 10 years old riding for quarters at bush tracks. Don’t get me wrong, Bejarano is one of the best, and I love to watch him ply his trade. Today was just a little tough to take when you heard a champion in the making whine a bit when he didn’t get his way. Welcome to New York, Kid… How would he have fared against Cordero pushing him against the rail? How about Shoemaker holding just enough to get you at the wire? Laffit Pincay aboard everything he ever rode? Pat Day putting you to sleep on the hook?

It was a little tough and the TV coverage brought it into full light… He still won, and is on his way to the Breeders’ Cup. Hopefully they will have gentlemen riders who allow him to do his bidding..