Go Run

Street sense decides when it's time to GO

From the moment we won the Kentucky Derby, I was sure we'd win the Preakness.

I got to Pimlico at about 8:30 on Saturday morning and went right to the stalls to say hello to Street Sense. He'd already been out for a morning gallop, about a mile, and he looked relaxed and ready, like he always does. I had three other races to ride before the main event, and Street Sense stayed in his stall. About 15 minutes before the 6:15 p.m. post time, we went to work. The trainers saddled Street Sense in the barn, then led him out to the track. That's where I mount. As we walked down the track and back, about a quarter of a mile, I knew we were going to have a good race. He wasn't shaking or sweating or freezing up like some horses do. I petted him and talked to him: "Thatta boy" and "That's my Big Daddy Rabbit." I call him that because he's so quick—he jumps into a hole just like a rabbit.

I can tell when he's focused. I can feel it in his muscles, the way his head is bowed. He's calm, and that's important because he needs to be ready to run the fastest two minutes of his life. We headed to the gate, and 120,000 fans cheered. We even stopped for a moment in front of the stands. He loves that. But we couldn't stay.

The gate was in place. Time to race.

1. The bell! We're out, and it's loud: the thunder of horses running, clipping heels, jockeys yelling and whistling. All right, boy, let's settle down here. We like to run from the back, coming from behind to catch 'em at the end. Easy, Big Daddy Rabbit. Good boy. Get comfortable. Just get your feet under you.

2. Let's slide to the inside where we like it. They don't call me Bo-Rail for nothing. That's it, nice and smooth. We're in eighth place, but I'm not worried. I'm sittin' chilly, still as I can, and you know the plan. Two speed horses are in front, and we're just going to be patient.

3. No pressure on the reins yet. My hands are just resting on your neck. The crop is in my right hand, but I'm not using it. The bit feels right, and you're not fighting it. Good boy. We've got ourselves a smooth race here. Waitin' for that hole. We're halfway home.

4. There it is, Big Daddy Rabbit! There's the hole! I pull the reins tighter and make a clucking sound. Yes, boy, it's time. No horse goes like you do, 20 to 30 mph in two jumps. A push on the shoulders, and here we go. Let's come off the rail now. Showtime.

5. We're past the threeeighths pole, our favorite spot. Three of us running breast to breast. There goes Curlin. Too early? No. Show the reins, push the shoulder. Go, big fella. Show everyone what you've got.

6. Okay, boy, we're past Hard Spun. We've got the lead. Homestretch. I can taste the wire. I don't need much stick here; I'll just cock it so you can see. We're at top speed. Sprint, Big Daddy Rabbit!

7. It's a tight one! Passing the eighth pole, I'm clucking and whacking. We can't let up. I'm stretchin, you're stretchin, in rhythm, driving to the finish. It's close. Robby Albarado raises his arm. What happened?

8. You ran a powerful race, Big Daddy Rabbit. Lost by a nose to Curlin. Did we move too early? Naw. We had to go. I wish we would've had a horse to chase in the stretch, but what can you do? Go ahead, bow your head, dance if you want. You're a proud one. I don't even think you know you got beat.

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