The DRF is reporting that super 3-year-old colt PioneerOf The Nile was retired this week after suffering a soft tissue injury to a front leg. Readers of this blog know that POTN was my pick to win the Kentucky Derby, and he nearly did so, finishing a strong 2nd to Mine That Bird.
Early in his career, I was not a POTN fan. I always found myself rooting for his competitors, and was disappointed when he won. By the middle of the Derby prep season, however, I had become a convert. He had, for my money, the toughest road of any Derby horse, competing in 4 Grade I and 2 Grade II races before shipping to Churchill Downs. He came to the Derby with a 4-win streak, including of course the Santa Anita Derby.
We never got to see him race against “the other” California horse, The Pampelmousse (who was injured days prior to the Santa Anita Derby). While he performed very well in the Derby, by the time he got to the Preakness Stakes, he was tired from the prep season and a grueling Derby race. He was eased, I believe, before the tape, finishing 11th. He was then shipped back home for a few months’ rest, and was supposed to run in this month’s Swaps.
If you look back on this blog, you’ll see I had put together a bet for the Derby using POTN and “all horses” in an exact box, costing 36 units. It was the correct bet, and paid just over $2,000 per $2 bet.
Ah well — another good horse down. I hope I find another POTN for next season!
