speed figures like all derivatives can be misleading

[Gerard]

The Jersey Derby lure I remember. Gato Del Sol, I didn\'t realize was for the best interest of the horse. Guess it will take more than one trainer and owner(s).

[FrankD.]

I have to weigh in on this often debated spring topic. Common sense, logic and evolution all point to better spacing between the Triple Crown races. Many have semi lobbied for a change in format but the traditionalist still rule.

TGJB says horses run faster today via track composition and other assorted factors. There is no doubt that the drug laden (mostly legal), speed bred for a mile, rushed to the races and for quick return via sale type of breeding we have done in North America for the past 30 years has significantly diminished the product. Factor in most of our top stallions whom were classically bred have gone to Europe, Japan and the middle east.

So what are we left with? Weak sprinters who try to stretch their speed to classic distances and end up not finishing their 3 yr old seasons; heck half of the top ones never get to the Derby in one piece!!!!

One can make a great case for the change in spacing between classic events.
BUT:
Sir Barton,Gallant Fox, Omaha, War Admiral, Whirlaway, Count Fleet, Assult, Citation, Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed all may beg to differ and I\'m not a big fan of an asterisk!!!!!

Frank D.

[P-Dub]

FrankD. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have to weigh in on this often debated spring
> topic. Common sense, logic and evolution all point
> to better spacing between the Triple Crown races.
> Many have semi lobbied for a change in format but
> the traditionalist still rule.
>
> TGJB says horses run faster today via track
> composition and other assorted factors. There is
> no doubt that the drug laden (mostly legal), speed
> bred for a mile, rushed to the races and for quick
> return via sale type of breeding we have done in
> North America for the past 30 years has
> significantly diminished the product. Factor in
> most of our top stallions whom were classically
> bred have gone to Europe, Japan and the middle
> east.
>
> So what are we left with? Weak sprinters who try
> to stretch their speed to classic distances and
> end up not finishing their 3 yr old seasons; heck
> half of the top ones never get to the Derby in one
> piece!!!!
>
> One can make a great case for the change in
> spacing between classic events.
> BUT:
> Sir Barton,Gallant Fox, Omaha, War Admiral,
> Whirlaway, Count Fleet, Assult, Citation,
> Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed all may beg
> to differ and I\'m not a big fan of an
> asterisk!!!!!
>
> Frank D.

If we believe the numbers, that horses are running much faster, then something must be done.

Look at the number of pitching injuries over the last 3 years.  Elbows are being shredded. The number of guys throwing 95+ is far more than it has ever been. Combine that with the torque of throwing sliders and other stressful pitches, and its no surprise to see the rise in injuries.

Horses, like pitcher\'s arms, are not built for this. The added stress takes its toll.

I agree with your last sentence.  However there are many instances of unofficial asterisks.  Babe Ruth\'s numbers have an asterisk, the late 90\'s HR records have them too. They may be unofficial, but the public knows better.

Spacing the TC will be good for a variety of reasons.  Once changed, and its only a matter of time before it is, fans will understand the difference between eras.

[kencbs]

Gato\'s trainer at the time, Eddie Gregson, was a completely different type of trainer.  He insisted on doing things his way, and if the owner complained, he\'d fire them and tell them to take their horses elsewhere.  Only trainer I\'ve ever heard of that fired owners.

[Gerard]

Product dilution and traditionalism understood. I\'m just going more in the direction that the now annual 20 horse derby field takes more of a toll on the winner than in the years of lore. Combine that with the trainers that point for the Belmont and it becomes quite difficult in my mind to envision a scenario where we see a TC winner on an even once every decade basis, not even considering the current drought.