California Chrome

[Tavasco]

So now that California Chrome has jumped to the head of the class for many. One question I have is what about the 13-14 point improvement in his to date development.

Not that he has to get any better to win a classic. But often I\'ve read (TG analysis) where too much development is considered a negative. An improving - forging line with small improvements spread over time being best.

Considerations on the magnitude of his development? Parallels?

[FrankD.]

Tavasco,

Great point and 2 parallels jump to mind instantly; Big Brown & Smarty Jones.
I don\'t have time to go through history but a quick look at those 2 show BB developing 11 points from his 2 yr old turf debut to the Fl Derby and Smarty 8 points from his maiden to the Rebel.

That is huge development be it probably aided a couple of points by a supped up front end in Cali on Saturday. Kudos to Espinoza for gunning to the front and the golden rail.

Who knows, history shows very few that take that big of a leap are around at the end of their 3 yr old season. You have to like him as well as anyone so far.

Good luck,

Frank D.

[TGJB]

Didn\'t look up those two examples, but in general the right way to look at development is to start from the first effort that turns out to be meaningful for the horse-- meaning from the first one that causes a bounce or a pair up. If a horse starts out 15-10-5, you don\'t start from the 15. The theory is that 15-10-5 is fitness, not development.