"Miracle trips"

[Zippy Chippy]

If it weren't for Curlin's nose, we would be talking today about Street Sense, the Belmont, and a possible Triple Crown. And I'm sure we would be talking about his "miracle trip" from the back of the pack, along the rail, to the front. Instead of passing 18 horses like he did in the Derby, he passed 7 in the Preakness before Curlin finally caught up with him.

For the past two weeks, it has been frustrating to hear all about how Street Sense got a "miracle trip" in the Derby. As impressive as it was, it doesn't seem like a "miracle" when you realize that he has repeated this "miracle" over and over and over again. He has repeated this "miracle" five times out of nine races, winning four and missing the victory circle twice more by a nose.

I have a feeling that if Street Sense had won by a nose yesterday, people would still be insisting that he got another "miracle trip." My question is, how many times does this horse have to perform the same "miracle" before people accept that his strong closing rail move when weakened horses are bearing out is more skill and talent than dumb luck? At what point can we bury the idea of Street Sense and his "miracle trips?"