Mine That Bird

I just can't get enough of the little big guy. He comes out of nowhere to stun anyone who was watching in the Kentucky Derby - even the announcer, who during the Bird's final push didn't even let us know he was on the move. No fault of the announcer, though, when I watch the replay from above I don't know how he could have seen the little guy flashing through the pack. One would think that spectacular dash from last to first would have garnered Mine That Bird a little attention. Not so much.

Afterwards, the Bird is set for the second leg of the Triple Crown immediately. Then his jockey, Calvin Borel, ends up with a decision to make. No decision, his beloved filly whom he has been riding for several months is sold, and ends up in the Preakness - Calvin remains her jockey. New jockey for Mine That Bird, who, coming out of nowhere was a last minute pickup for Borel, and does not have a regular jockey. No problem there, experienced, Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith picks up the mount.

Borel's horse, Rachel Alexandra, is a heavy favorite and gains most of the attention prior to the race. Although content with the thrill given in the long shot win, most doubt Mine That Bird's ability to come close to duplicating his Derby day performance. Well, the little guy came up big. He didn't win the race, Rachel held her own against the boys and she proved herself in her own right - a question for many was whether or not she could beat the boys after trouncing her own gender for several races. At the end of the race, Mine That Bird came within one length of catching the favored filly. The little guy came up big.

I don't think I have ever witnessed a sporting event with two winners, but this one fit that bill. At the Preakness, all of the riders knew the Bird's game, and not a single one was going to let him through on his move for the home stretch. But Mine That Bird found his away around and finally got going with about fifty yards to go. He didn't quite catch the big gal. Even so, second place for the horse many doubted turns out to be a win. There is no more doubt. If this horse, who is a bit smaller than most on the race track, finds an opportunity he does not hesitate. He has another gear that none of his competitors come close to displaying, at least from my perspective. I call that gear heart.

He should get some respect now that he has finished two major races in similar fashion. His story just keeps developing with more twists. Now he's lost his second jockey, Mike Smith, to a prior commitment. Mine That Bird is on his way to the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, and it will be interesting to watch the story as it unfolds. He's already a winner in my book, the results for me are in. I'll be tuning into the Belmont, and following the Bird to get my daily dose of the little big guy.