Colonel John Leads in Impressive Derby Prep Race

[I Heart Gambling Online]

In a recent online poll asking voters to rate the Derby prep race that impressed them the most, the Gr. 1 Florida Derby, dominated by Big Brown and Colonel John's workmanlike victory in the prestigious Gr. 1 Santa Anita Derby, finished several lengths in front.

This result offers horseplayers an interesting angle, with the looming East-West rivalry developing between the two talented colts bringing back memories of what racing fans consider the most exciting Triple Crown of all time.

Coincidently, it was exactly 30 years ago in 1978 that the greatest rivalry in North American racing played out in the Triple Crown. Alydar, pride of the traditional Eastern racing establishment and Affirmed, who carried the hopes of the free-spirited West Coast to Kentucky, were arch rivals throughout their racing careers.

Alydar won the Florida Derby on his way to Louisville and Affirmed, like Colonel John, came via a triumph in the Santa Anita Derby. Alydar had a stalking style while Affirmed was a speed horse. In this year's matchup, Eastern invader Big Brown possesses the speed and Colonel John will do the stalking.

The Affirmed vs. Alydar rivalry drew record crowds from both coasts to the 1978 Triple Crown, and their performances remain etched in the minds of racing fans who attended the historic event. Affirmed's Derby and Preakness wins over Alydar followed by a gut-wrenching win over his rival in the Belmont Stakes will never been forgotten. Affirmed became the 11th and most recent Triple Crown winner, and Alydar holds the distinction as the only horse to finish second in all three races.

Let's hope Big Brown vs. Colonel John can ignite the racing world like their contemporaries did in 1978.

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- Bodog Beat