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Horse racing

Barbaro's Pursuit of Racing Immortality

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Trainer Michael Matz has always believed in the Triple Crown's potential for his horse Barbaro, and the undefeated colt is now in pursuit of racing immortality. Barbaro dominated the Kentucky Derby by 6 1/2 lengths, the largest margin in the Run for the Roses since Assault in 1946. With a quick turnaround to the Preakness and then the Belmont Stakes, the challenging road ahead will put Barbaro's abilities to the test. Despite a tough schedule, Matz is confident in his horse's ability to emerge as the 12th Triple Crown champion and the first since Affirmed in 1978.

Key Takeaways:

  • Barbaro dominated the Kentucky Derby by 6 1/2 lengths, the largest margin since Assault in 1946.
  • Trainer Michael Matz is confident in Barbaro's ability to win the Triple Crown, despite a tough schedule of three races in five weeks.
  • Barbaro has been asked to run only twice since winning the Holy Bull Stakes, and will now face the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.
  • The Preakness, typically favoring horses with early speed, may pose a challenge for Barbaro, but trainer Ken Hendricks believes he has what it takes to give Barbaro a run for his money.
  • Like Now, a new challenger, may be a dark horse in the next two races, but others such as Jazil, Sweetnorthernsaint, and Lawyer Ron also have the credentials to rebound in the middle leg of the Triple Crown.
  • John Servis, trainer for retired Smarty Jones, notes that Barbaro began the Triple Crown grind much fresher than his horse due to the conservative racing schedule.
  • Peter Brette, Matz's top assistant, has high praise for Barbaro, saying that he "gives you the feeling when you ride him that there is nothing this horse can't do, nothing at all."

Statistics:

  • Barbaro has won all six of his races, including the Holy Bull Stakes and the Florida Derby.
  • The Preakness is scheduled to take place on May 20, and the Belmont Stakes will follow on June 10.
  • Barbaro will face a challenging schedule of three races in five weeks, including the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.
  • The last Triple Crown winner was Affirmed in 1978.
  • Barbaro was born on April 29, 2003.

Sources:

  • [1] Tom Pedulla, "Louisville Courier-Journal"
  • [2] Don Emment, AFP/Getty Images

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