Triple Crown talent Justify travels the shortest distance to win races.
Do you?
Check off these three markers to nail your triple crown.
Marker #1: The shortest path to win is the middle
Whatever your goals, they are best achieved by not deviating from the center.
That’s what Bob Baffert advised jockey Mike Smith to win a foggy Preakness.
“Stay away from the edges. Just run to the middle.” Bob Baffert
I often wonder why we complicate things when conditions worsen.
- Because we panic?
- Because we lose our center?
I believe races are won or lost in the difficult conditions.
Messy conditions show if we follow our compass.
That’s why I believe Baffert wanted Justify to run to the middle in the Preakness.
- Stay with your gifts.
- Steer by principles that matter.
Racing requires the deepest commitment to free us from entanglements.
Conditions are distractions.
Ignore the conditions and focus on your compass.
Marker #2: Run smart with breaks
Why was Justify able to achieve a fast pace early in the Derby, dismiss all rivals, and then have enough to pull away late?
“I was able to just sit for a little bit, and he took some air in. As soon as I called on him again, he jumped right back into the bridle and was all racehorse at that point.” Jockey Mike Smith
Trainer Baffert, Jockey Smith and horse Justify execute the art of stop and go.
Winners sort through adversity by knowing when to slow and when to pick up.
They are uniquely skilled to vary speed in changing conditions and not be rattled.
At the Preakness, Justify didn’t melt in the mud when he was pressed early and pushed late.
At Belmont, Justify will defy all odds for a triple crown because he is “an old soul.” Mike Smith
He stays centered under pressure.
Marker #3: Run the last lap with your heart
None of us know the day we take our last lap.
My good friend Eddie Cantu was speaking on a stage in front of thousands at the annual Gideon’s International convention when he collapsed from an aneurysm and died at age 50 with his wife and children cradling him in their arms.
That’s why you run true in all conditions without looking over your shoulder.
“A man saves himself a lot of trouble when he doesn’t look to see what his neighbor says or does or thinks, but only considers whether his own actions are just and pure.” Marcus Aurelius
So does a triple crown horse.
What are your favorite markers for winning a race?
Sage words with perfect timing Steve!
Thank you!
Great to hear from you Sue! Thanks for sharing!