ESPN had some good pre-race coverage of the Preakness and they told about the jockey riding Smarty Jones. He did time on felony battery charges and also smacked his wife around. Went to alcohol rehab. and completely turned his life around. He had a lot of problems with his weight and quit racing for over a year but couldn't live without it.
I think Smarty will win the Triple Crown...first horse to do so since 1978. Smarty has an interesting history too. Did you read about how in a race last year he reared in the starting gate and knocked himself out. Completely crushed the socket on one of his eyes. They thought he killed himself, then were sure he would lose the sight in one eye. He's a neat horse.
I just hope the owner, Chappy Chapman, doesn't keel over on live TV if Smarty wins the Belmont. He is in pretty bad health.
Thanks for the good information on Smarty and his monkey - have a great week down there.
Time for me to get ready to go to north Texas.
Cheers, all.