Originally Posted by Dunbar

But Big Brown's 3 race run from the Florida Derby through the Preakness was impressive in its own right.

--Dunbar

Originally Posted by Dunbar

Giacomo, and possibly others.

Would Street Sense or Hard Spun have had a problem? We can only guess, but probably not. I doubt either would have shown that explosive move that Big Brown demonstrated when he spurted away from the field, though.

Winning from the outside at Gulfstream was considered near impossible before this year's Florida Derby. Despite that, when Big Brown drew the outside at Churchill, many cappers (including some here) were ecstatic that they would be able to bet against him while the "clueless" would bet him regardless of post.

Here are some very good recent horses that didn't win the Derby from better post positions than Big Brown's: Cat Thief, Point Given, Medagia d'Oro, Came Home, Empire Maker, Afleet Alex. Granted, these horses faced more solid competition than Big Brown (though Point Given finished behind Invisible Ink and Thunder Blitz), but my point is that the Derby is not a 'gimme'.

There's no question that Curlin has run against significantly better horses than Big Brown. I, too, think he is the better horse and has by far the greater accomplishments. Dutrow's comments were idiotic. But Big Brown's 3 race run from the Florida Derby through the Preakness was impressive in its own right.

--Dunbar

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Is that really all it takes now days?

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

It does if you factor in the degree of difficulty (post positions) in at least two of those races. Yes correct!

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

Doesn't the incredibly poor level of competition sort of offset that?

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Dr. Fager just rolled over in his grave

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

And what you say seems to be the sentiment of many. Would you be willing to say that on any given race, anything is possible (by any horse)?

I just think all of Big Brown's wins were impressive. I wish we really knew what happened at The Belmont? The Haskell was a comeback race for Big Brown and an impressive final furlong. He showed something he never had to before.

Alfleet Alex is my favorite horse of all time. But who did he really beat in the Preakness and Belmont other than Giacomo (a 50-1 KD winner). And don't say Scrappy T :) Yet most agree that Alex was a great horse. This is one example of why I don't buy into the lousy competition vs. Big Brown argument.

Originally Posted by hockey2315

Really?

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

It sounds like a clever retort. Jokes on me because I don't know who Dr. Fager is. Will you complete the joke for my purpose?

Originally Posted by hockey2315

Really?

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Do you follow any sports or movies?

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

It sounds like a clever retort. Jokes on me because I don't know who Dr. Fager is. Will you complete the joke for my purpose?

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

Alfleet Alex is my favorite horse of all time. But who did he really beat in the Preakness and Belmont other than Giacomo (a 50-1 KD winner). And don't say Scrappy T Yet most agree that Alex was a great horse.

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

Afleet Alex doesn't leave a leagcy as a great horse? When did this happen?

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

I guess not close enough to catch this hidden gem. C'mon who is he?

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

Afleet Alex doesn't leave a leagcy as a great horse? When did this happen?

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

I guess not close enough to catch this hidden gem. C'mon who is he?

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

Afleet Alex (1 1/2 lengths from winning Triple Crown) + amazing recovery at Preakness + Top 3 yr old 2005 = Great Horse IMHO