Can Union Rags prevent a Triple Crown?
Certainty has no place in thoroughbred racing, especially for a hardened professional clocker. Yet after Gary Young watched Union Rags' 5-furlong, 594/5-second workout at Churchill Downs seven days before the Kentucky Derby, he thought he had a sure thing.
"If he runs to the workout, he wins the race," Young said. "I'm convinced this horse is going to win the race."
Many saw the Derby as Union Rags' race to lose, which immediately happened when he was bumped and squeezed back to 18th at the start. The horse ended up finishing seventh.
Five weeks ago, trainer Michael Matz thought he had a chance to win the Triple Crown. Now he thinks he can prevent a sweep by I'll Have Another in Saturday's Belmont Stakes.
"I wouldn't be going in there if I didn't think I could beat him," Matz said.
Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
