Racing is Filled with Legitimate Superstars This Year...

[Silver Charm]

First let\'s not kid ourselves there are issues out there with bad #\'s at Monmouth (a true gem of a track) and Illinois on life support. But none of the horses know any of that.

I can\'t remember a year so many arguable all time greats were running at the same time. California Chrome put his final stamp for me in his resume yesterday. Speed figures be damned he is historically more of a great horse than a Ghostzapper ever was. Beholder? When was the last filly to compete and beat quality colts at a Classic distance on dirt over consecutive years and was also a Champ at 2. Tepin hasn\'t lost in forever and get so bored with America competition she chose to go overseas and kick some European ass as new challenge. When was the last time we saw that? Never!! Flintshire has banked $8M has traveled the globe and has American turf runners in the palm of his jockeys hands. He is as good of turf horse as I think I\'ve ever seen in America. Songbird is not Rachel, but she also isn\'t being campaigned like Rachel which means the best is yet to come. There is a nice 3YO grass filly running today. She has beaten colts, never lost on the surface, won at all distances and has displayed brilliance on several occasions.

This is indeed a rare collection. Enjoy it while you have it....

[johnnym]

Was thinking the same thing yesterday, I actually gathered the whole family around the set to watch the 3 big horses run yesterday.
Breeders cup should be good this year.

[ajkreider]

It\'s telling that a $4 million horse that\'s looked as dominant as Frosted has in his last two (while running big figs), is an afterthought in this discussion.

[Agastache]

Seems like there have been quite a few household names in the past 6 years or so, spanning the likes of Rachel, Zenyatta, Wise Dan, Goldikova, Songbird, Chrome, Beholder, Pharoah, etc.

Any chance this relates to the ban of race day steroids around 2008? Stricter drug testing? Or a smaller foal crop? All 3? Or none of the 3?

[Silver Charm]

I actually did think of him. The Met Mile performance was one of the best in history. But his 3YO resume was good but spotty at this high level. I totally agree with your point. And please note that the 3YO grass filly, I didn\'t mention her name. She still needs to do more....