How ‘bout it, racing fans? Wouldn’t you like to see a match race between the two trotters that won in 1:50.1 on Hambo Day at the Big M?
Who do you think would win? The edge normally would go to the older horse in such a contest, but I’m not sure I’d ever want to bet against Muscle Hill. And I sure wouldn’t want to bet against Lucky Jim either.
When they’re that evenly-matched, it makes for a good contest.
I know that it’s not likely to happen, but that doesn’t mean that some enterprising track owner or race secretary couldn’t propose it. I know that the each have some big fish to fry yet this season---certainly the Breeders Crowns for both and the World Trotting Derby, Canadian Trotting Classic, and Kentucky Futurity for Muscle Hill.
Maybe they won’t hold their form, but if they do, what a promotional goldmine a match race could be. Yes, it might come down to a mad sprint through the homestretch and, no, it might not really prove which trotter is best, but I would think that a publicist could make lots of hay with such a match-up. And we all know that harness racing needs all the media exposure it can get.
They have obviously never met before and they’re both at the top of their class. It would be one of those races in which you hoped that one horse didn’t have to lose.
Maybe later in the year, if they’re still seemingly comparable in ability, a match race might make sense to the connections of the two horses. With Muscle Hill, you have stud value considerations; Lucky Jim is a gelding so that’s not an issue. But I think the people associated with the two horses would recognize the promotional potential.
Let’s wait and see.
A dual between Muscle Hill
A dual between Muscle Hill and Lucky Jim certainly would be a promotional goldmine! To sweeten the pot, if the winner were to establish a new world record they should earn and additional bonus purse, of say 50% more. It can't be a winner take all because these horses, like professional athletes, deserve to be compensated for their appearance. I'd suggest a 75/25 split. And for the bettors, there has to be an incentive, part of a pick 3 or 7.
There are a number of tracks who could host this kind of race, namely the tracks across North America having slots!
2009 is turning out to be a great year for the sport, just like last year!
Carey
Maybe we should create a
Maybe we should create a true "Open" race at year's end where these two could actually race. The Breeder's Cup Classic and Distaff often pit 3-year-old champions against aged ones, and have often provided historic races...such as Ferdinand and Alysheba (2 Kentucky Derby winners). Last year it could have been The Beach and Mr. Big squaring off. This year it may be Not Enough vs. Southwind Tempo or Shadow Play vs. Well Said...who wouldn't love to see that ? Might even draw in some new fans.