Welcome back to Horse Madness II, the quest for racing’s greatest Cinderella. Ironically, the bracket of upsets has been dominated by chalk, with all favorites advancing to the Elite 8. Some great matchups ahead, ripe with opportunities for upsets, so stayed tuned…
Canonero II v. Jim Dandy
This matchup is a face off between one of the most famous Cinderellas in the history of the sport (Jim Dandy) versus a great underdog with an unimaginable path to success in the 1971 Derby and Preakness.
Jim Dandy shocked the racing world by defeating Triple crown Winner Gallant Fox in the 1930 Travers at odds of 100-1. However, Jim Dandy was aided by some racing luck. Th track coming up muddy, a surface on which Jim Dandy had proven success, and the running of the race carried Gallant Fox well wide on the far turn les in groom at the rail for Jim Dandy. But none the less, Cinderella danced his dance and etched his name on the tombstone in the graveyard of champions at Saratoga.
Canonero II, the Caribbean Cannonball, shocked the world by winning the 1971 Kentucky Derby. With an essentially blank past performances page, and seemingly bizarre training tactics, including no saddle gallops, he was a mystery to even the most informed of members of the racing world. But he ran down a pair of Kentucky blue-bloods from Calumet Farms in the run for the roses and continued his fairy tale by winning the Preakness as well.
Which of these improbable winners gets your vote? Let us know on Twitter: @thorobros
