Big Drama

While much of the news over the long weekend focused on Big Brown's latest quarter crack (Fran's HoofBlog will be getting more details direct from his farrier later in the week, so keep checking for updates), the rumors over who will ride Casino Drive continue to swirl. Garrett Gomez is now definitely out of that picture, though -- he's replacing Julien Leparoux aboard Macho Again. A decision is expected Wednesday for Casino Drive; my money is on Edgar Prado. Big Brown did jog over the Belmont track today (right), so one would assume his foot is not giving him much, if any, trouble; one wonders if some of the drama over his foot might be more of a Rick Dutrow mind game than anything else; it's an obvious excuse to fall back on if things do not go to plan on Belmont day. Other Belmont contenders were working over the weekend; Anak Nakal(!) worked a bullet at Saratoga, Denis of Cork put in five furlongs at Churchill Downs, Tale of Ekati worked at Belmont, although Barclay Tagg was apparently less than pleased with his effort and it sounds as though his plan may change. Tomcito, now recovered from his myectomy, jogged at Belmont as well. In other news, The Tin Man is apparently doing reasonably well in retirement after a worrying time following a knee fracture, although he's still hampered by the injury. Here's hoping he can enjoy a healthy retirement nonetheless. Finally, like the good people at Railbird, I was particularly intrigued by a maiden special weight over the Belmont turf last Saturday. 3-year-old Monastic Springs, the first foal for great racemare Ipi Tombe, dealt with traffic problems like an old pro -- winning in his first start. I may have a new favorite 3-year-old -- here is his debut race: