5/13/2004

Spotlight: Stewart Elliott

Compared to the Kentucky Derby the Preakness Stakes is invariably just another American-style race, per it's smallish field-size. However jockeyship is most important, around the speed-favoring 'Hilltop' oval that features tight turns at the end of long stretches.

During the past ten years several Kentucky Derby winners, such as Real Quiet, Charismatic and War Emblem, have been dismissed by pundits as having been either lucky or below par: in that they were able to surprise their opponents in the Run for the Roses. At Pimlico, in round 2, the gloves are off, it is reasoned, and nobody is going to steal this one.

Whatever, the pressure definitely is on the rider of the Derby winner to show that their last win was no fluke. And this year there is the added fact that Smarty Jones is the first unbeaten Kentucky Derby winner to arrive at this stage since Seattle Slew in 1977.

Back in 1977 'The Slew' was partnered through his unbeaten Triple Crown streak by Frenchman, Jean Cruguet, who, although a very accomplished horseman and turf specialist, was certainly not considered to be an elite jockey. Nevertheless, despite the fact that he was on the best horse (who incidentally had a similar style of running to Smarty Jones) Cruguet never put a foot wrong. And we confidently expect that Stewart Elliott, who has been around the block a few times himself and showed that by the fact that he was not intimidated when in tight running to the clubhouse turn in the KY Derby, will remain calm and get the job done.....because he knows he's riding a pro.

Smarty and Stewart are the men of the moment. But, as every punter knows, good horses and riders are a bit like strawberries. Awfully good while they last.....but, at the same time, they can get squashed or go off, overnight!