Agreed. This horse has already earned $7 million dollars with a chance for another 6 million. If he loses the Belmont, he's still worth millions. Not as many millions, but milions nonetheless. The Chapmans aren't in this to see if they can cash for the maximum, they want to see their horse run and hopefully become a champion. They are in it for the thrill of the chase as much as the prize itself.

I see Smarty Jones running through his 4 yo campaign with the culmination of his career coming in the BC Classic in 2005. This horse has the potential to be one of the greats of the past 20-30 years, if not longer. We'll never find out unless he races into at least his 4yo season. I couldn't agree more with Cozzene. Mall, you make a great point about the legacy being left by the Chapmans and Smarty. Barring something catastrophic, Smarty will be worth a mint regardless of when he retires. But to have your name associated with a great horse, money can't buy that.



P-Dub