I don’t follow racing, only see the 3 triple crown races. But, isn’t it a major goal for horses to go for the triple crown? Or is that media hype?
its a very rare to get this chance...and to just skip it is more rare...
I think because we went so long without one it lost its luster. It’s a real challenge for the horse, 3 races in quick succession that get longer and tougher, Do you want to wear out your horse going for that, or hold them back and possibly extend their career. Sure IF the win the Crown their breeding price will go through the roof. But you’re probably not going to win.
One year in the 1980’s a horse skipped the Preakness to run in the New Jersey Derby instead. Then they offered a bonus to any horse winning the triple crown. I assume the bonus is still in effect.
The Derby winner normally enters the Preakness. But apparently the trainer thinks his horse may not recover from the Derby in time for the Preakness.
Also, the Derby is 1 1/4 miles long. The Preakness is a little shorter at 1 1/8 miles (I think). At the 1 1/8 point in the Derby, Rich Strike wasn't even close to the lead.
The Belmont is 1 1/2 mile, so the trainer may think the longer distance in the Belmont favors his horse in that race while the shorter distance of the Preakness is less favorable to his horse. Just a guess.