Of course we are dating ourselves a bit, but remember some of those old heavyweight boxing matches featuring Mike Tyson? For those who may not remember the youngest fighter to claim the heavyweight crown, a replay of the 2024 Met Mile on June 8 will show you his blueprint to success.
Coming from the streets of New York, Mike Tyson became the most feared boxer on the planet with a very simple strategy. Taking it right to the opposition, Iron Mike knew he was the best and usually proved it within a scant few. First round knockouts were his foray and the key was the break. Jumping alertly, this kid that came of age in the Catskills was a pure destroyer in his early days. Powerful punches were delivered early and often. Then when then time was right, he turned out the lights
Thoroughbred star National Treasure had a game plan going into the grade 1 Met Mile. One of the more historic races on the New York calendar, this million-dollar Mile is always a heavyweight fight. So, in order to win, this Bob Baffert-trained son of Quality Road made like Mike. Breaking like a shot in his customary blinkers, National Treasure was money out of the gate. Throwing bombs early, he had the opposition reeling. Stalked by the speedy Hoist The Gold up the backstretch in this one turn mile, the fight was not over just yet.
Turning for home under jockey Flavien Prat, National Treasure unleashed a powerful left hook that essentially sent the competition through the ropes. Jetting to a five-length lead in the blink of an eye, Baffert’s charge coasted home a widening 6 ¼ lengths ahead of everyone else.
In his early days, Mike Tyson was a juggernaut because he never gave his opponents a chance. He knew he was better so it was simply seek and destroy in a concise manner. National Treasure pulled that page directly from Iron Mike in the Met Mile. Breaking with authority, he provided no real opportunity for the others in the race.
“He’s a really nice horse that just likes to get out of the gate and run”, says Baffert.” National Treasure is a fast horse that can carry his speed. We are not sure what will be next for him, but he may go back to Saratoga for the Whitney.”
National Treasure has two wins in three starts this year with both wins coming at the grade 1 level (Pegasus World Cup, Met Mile). Having now won $5.3 million on the track, this grandson of Medaglia d’Oro will look for another knockout most likely in August.
