That's a really interesting observation- I've read other articles discussing the year-round racing schedule and how it likely contributes to injuries because horses are in training year-round. The argument being a few months off gives minor injuries time to heal on their own before they become big ones. And vacations are good for most of us, mentally, I think. :)

well, by the same token, how do YOU know it wasn't? such logic, you've swayed me!:rolleyes:

a lot of people have made the argument about wintering....wonder how many people realize that man o wars first start at three was the preakness?

Perfect Drift's been getting winter vacations pretty much forever too, right?

Of course, in 1920 the Preakness wasn't a top race. A nice race to win, like the Haskell, but not a classic by any means. It wasn't even a scale weights race until 1924 - Man o' War carried 126 to Upset's 122 and Wildair's 114.

right...but my point was that he didn't make his first start til may....of course these days, if a trainer attempts to do something like that, he gets roasted. but then again, once the racing started in may, about 10 starts in the year....

Actually, the Aussies still do it this way to some extent. The top horses race in September and October every week or two weeks leading up to the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup carnival (ends first week of November), are 'spelled' for a couple of months, then start to gear up for the Sydney Easter Carnival, when they will race every week (or less!) again. Then another spell, until it is time to start gearing up for the spring in Melbourne again.

Good point. But CQ had proven he liked Churchill, so getting him to train there was a big deal... maybe it was for the others though.

If it doesnt matter whether Street Sense ran a race in Feb. or not, then how can it matter whether Curlin ran a race in Dec. or not? Another myth?

i think it mattered that he only had 3 lifetime starts...and of course, unless you want to overrun your horse come spring, how else is your horse going to get racing experience then to run him at two?

would more racing, more experience, and more overall fitness (physical and mental) have made the difference between a board finish and a win?

Obviously that's what you believe so why waste time arguing, the simple fact is that no horse without a two year old race has won the Derby since 1882. We've discussed the research that implies that two year old racing and training for a race is very important in a young horse's bone/muscle development so there is at least implied basis for that angle. If you can find research that applies to 3yo racing in February then that can be discussed.

Ummm not true, in fact it was the Derby itself that did not carry the prestige. In those days of Man O' War, there really wasn't a Triple Crown persay, but the top races for 3 yrs Old were The Travers, The Preakness and the Belmont. The Preakness was a big race back then and was bigger than the Ky Derby.

Nice to hear from you :) the "valley" crew says hi!
Looking forward to see you @ the Spa.

It's good to back, stupid work keeping me down.
Tell the crew I said Hi as well and yes only 79 days to the greatest opening day in sports, can't wait to see you guys there.