By Marc Lawrence — The first Saturday in May is generally reserved for the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of horse racing’s famed Triple Crown. Each year the nation’s top three-year olds qualify for the race with the winner moving on to become the leading contender to capture the celebrated Triple Crown. To date there have been only 13 horses that have accomplished the feat, ranging from Sir Barton in 1919 to Justify in 2018. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic the 2020, the “run for the roses” has been temporarily pushed back to the first Saturday in September. Due to the four-month delay a new virtual Triple Crown has been proposed in its place, and it’s scheduled to run today. Eligible horses are each of the aforementioned 13 Triple Crown winners, with 1973 winner Secretariat listed as the 7-2 favorite. Each of the Triple Crown winning jockeys are also listed, including Eddie Arcaro on both Whirlaway (1941) and Citation (1948). So how can that be, you ask? Simple – it’s a virtual fantasy race and they were able to clone Arcaro. So he does not have to make the difficult decision of which Triple Crown winner to ride. He’ll be riding both, he’s that good. FYI: Arcaro says, “Citation could carry both of us and still beat Whirlaway.” As far as today’s race goes, veteran horse racing guru John Pricci, owner of HorseRaceInsider.com, sees it coming down like this: “With a Preakness like move approaching the half-mile pole and through the far turn, the power of Secretariat will overwhelm this great field.” Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the call to the post.
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If the subtitle above reads more like a law firm than a quarterback rotation then you sense the urgency in New England to land a starting signal caller for the 2020 season ahead. Head scratchingly, the Patriots passed not only QB Jordan Love but also every other quarterback in this year’s NFL draft. Then again, it sparks memories of 2000 when New England’s fourth quarterback behind Drew Bledsoe, John Friesz and Michael Bishop was a youngster named Tom Brady. And therein lies the intrigue for what’s ahead for the Patriots in the days and weeks ahead.
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From the all-new 2020 PLAYBOOK Football Preview Guide magazine: The Miami Dolphins were outscored by 188 points last season – worst in the league. They were also -10 net TOs and rushed for fewest yards in team history in 2019. Ryan Fitzpatrick was the team’s leading rusher.
