Upon learning this past weekend Boys At Tosconova is officially off the Derby trail, I was a left a little empty inside. I'd watched him solidly beaten as the second place finisher to Uncle Mo in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Fully hoping there would be a rematch on the same Churchill Downs track 6 months later at the Kentucky Derby. That's not to be. Boys At Tosconova has proven himself as a two year old and belongs on the same track as Uncle Mo, but now we're left to find a suitable challenger to fill a small gap left by ending his Derby campaign.
Injuries are common in Throughbred racing and it's something followers of the sport hate to see. A rivalry begins to emerge and we attempt to forecast what may happen. As of now, Boys At Tosconova is sidelined. Sent to recover from possible injuries not found on x-rays. His trainer, Rick Dutrow, noticed the horse wasn't "himself". I'm sure the decision to take Boys off the Derby trail was a difficult one.
So is the case racing fans are left to find a new camp on which to throw support. Rivalries are great for horse racing. We thrive on the thrill of a stretch run taking our breath away. We want the history books to show there's a challenge for the victor. To be able to claim we saw THAT horse. For Boys At Tosconova the accention to Derby Day has ended with a whimper, but hopefully after some needed rest we'll see him take to the track and win once more.
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