Winning Ponies

Atlanta author Peter Lee says that a safety pin was the cause of Spectacular Bid's loss in the 1979 Belmont. Experts have thought the horse's trainer, Bud Delp, made up the excuse story. Some point to 19-year-old jockey Ron Franklin's poor ride as the reason for the loss. Lee, author of Spectacular Bid: The Last Superhorse of the Twentieth Century interviewed several people, including the owners, Tom and Teresa Meyerhoff, Pete, and trainer Bud Delp's brother, Richard, who all corroborated the story. Frank Angst will tackle thoroughbred racing current issues and 'cap 2 $1 Million races. In the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) a bout of colic sent the favorite - Maximum Security to the sidelines and opened the door for several other top 3-year-olds. The Cotillion (G1) has the undefeated Guarana in a rematch with Acorn runner-up Serengeti Empress. 2-year-old champion Jaywalk will face the top two. In the $300,000 Gallant Bob (G2), a well-matched field of nine will dash the 6 furlongs.