It was built up and hoped for in the three weeks leading up to the Belmont Stakes, a rivalry between Animal Kingdom and Shackleford that would carry the sport through 2011. Shame on Ruler On Ice for spoiling the grand vision of the Sport of Kings. Animal Kingdom V. Shackleford very well could come again this summer and hopefully it’s not a race for fifth. But instead of waiting for those two let’s key in on the real rivalry in 2011…

Blind Luck V. Havre de Grace

Two fillies that are a combined 31 for 31 in the money over their careers. Two fillies that have faced off five times and on four occasions finished 1-2 and once 2-3 in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic behind Unrivaled Belle. The recent races have tilted towards Havre de Grace but Blind Luck is a future Hall of Famer who tries her hardest every single time.

Maybe we are living in the hangover of Zenyatta’s greatness which is clouding the view of these two great race horses, understood. But instead of trying to determine who is the best 3-year-old or top handicap male, let’s build up the rivalry between two that have yet to disappoint five previous times.

What sounds better than this right now?

Blind Luck V. Havre de Grace
Round 6
July 16th
$750,000 Delaware Handicap

Before you completely throw out this race, and winner Brilliant Speed, when referencing the Derby picture consider these thoughts…

- The obvious, Brilliant Speed is by Dynaformer, same sire that produced Barbaro

- Brilliant Speed closed on an incredibly slow pace at Keeneland

- Trainer Tom Albertrani has Triple Crown Experience…think Bernardini

- Perhaps we can forgive him for his 2 tries on dirt…in those two starts he broke slow going one turn and faced horses like Joe Vann, Mucho Macho Man and Boys at Tosconova

- Maybe he’s a better horse on turf or just maybe he needed two turns

- Joel Rosario made the trip to Keeneland to ride a 19-1 shot, and no one is having a better 2011 in the saddle.