It would make the race more evenly matched, and easier on the horses physically. This would be good for the betting public too.
That said-California Chrome did fine today. It's still a great story. He's already done the impossible in even winning the first 2 races of the TC. He finished best of the horses that did run in all three races, and he still tried his heart out to win. Give him some rest and a re-match race with the horses that finished in front of him - I bet he easily beats all of them.
As for the results- The owner may have gone off emotionally over the heartbreaking loss, but he brought up a good question: Is it fair to have fresh horses running in the Belmont?
Ultimately, it doesn't seem right IMO.
It isn't good for horse racing in the long run either. A whole lot of people watching/betting on a horse race for the first time today- went home disappointed, and probably won't come back.
Something needs to change -Others have also suggested a longer time period ( or the same amount of time) between the three races?
Anyway I will be looking forward to seeing California Chrome run again.
11 horses went to the post at Belmont.
ONLY 3 had run both of the other 2 races. General A Rod & Ride On Curlin & California Chrome.
The 1st place & 2nd place horses did NEITHER of those 2 races.
I like the owner’s comparison to a Triathilon:
You have to swim——bike & run at such an event.
These horses skipped the swim—bike part & only showed up for the 3rd part. Ain’t fair.