racingmeridian.com

…racing lost two stars yesterday with the retirements of Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown and undefeated Arc winner Zakarva. Clearly, our ability to evaluate the talent level of the horses is compromised by their premature departures. Big Brown is derided for the class of his competition, the feeling being he handled a very soft group of three year olds, while the brilliance of the filly was never demonstrated anywhere other than her native France. Both animals could have been brought back for memorable four year old campaigns but the economic dictates of the industry currently work against lengthy careers…did not anticipate the Cleveland Browns playing with such intensity last night. It is still early in the season and many opinions are far to engraved in stone for my liking. No, I am not certain the Titans are for real, no I am not handing the NFC Championship to the Eastern Division. And where did all those Redskin fanatics come from? Very quietly, The Tampa Bay Bucs and the Jacksonville Jags are starting to play quality football and, as a long and demanding season unfolds, I would anticipate many more revelations and shocks. So don’t go betting a Cardinals - Bills Superbowl just yet…wonderful news, financial and otherwise, with Vitali Klitschko exposing the hapless Samuel Peter in Germany on Saturday. The talent level in the heavyweight division has never been so thin but I think we have a competent champ in the older Klitschko. Boxing needs him to stay active and, hopefully, make a few appearances stateside…Antonio Tarver’s career should be winding down after his loss to Chad Dawson. The light heavy is 39 years old and has been found wanting in his recent fights. The likeable and intelligent combatant needs to wrap it up and get on with the rest of his life…of all the possible permutations for the World Series match-up, can’t help but think the Rays - Phillies meeting is the least appealing…Lance Armstrong has announced the main target of his 2009 comeback will be the Giro d’Italia, not the Tour de France. The three week stage race will take place May 9-31…