Anyone remember Southern Image?
 

Just got to thinking about this horse the other day, and what a shame it was that he had to be retired so early. Thought he had the potential to become a truly elite handicap horse, although DrugS will probably come in here and say something along the lines of "There was a 17 MPH tailwind at Pimlico when he won the Pimlico Special, so it looks better than it is".

Lifetime Record: 8/6-1-1, wins in G1 Malibu, G1 SA Handicap, G1 PIM Special, Sunshine Millions Classic, second in G1 Stephen Foster, third in G2 San Vicente, $1,843,750 in earnings..

Did he really win 6 of 8? Wow.

Pim Special: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlPFu0gdk0o
Big Cap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3czlWcMTRU

Could not believe Dynever was favored in the Pimlico Special.

Southern Image had a lot of ability, won his only race at 2, but had to sit out most of his sophomore year, including the Triple Crown, Travers and BC Classic. Came back in a big way at Santa Anita in the winter of his 4yo year, looked to be headed toward a great year as an older horse when he got hurt again. So he missed the big summer handicaps and fall wfas, including the BC Classic, the 'glamour' races for stallion ads. And he wasn't by Storm Cat, Seattle Slew or Mr. P (or a son), he was by 'regional' sire Halo's Image whose yearlings don't break records, so he was sort of forgotten by the time he went to stud the next spring.

One of THE most fragile horses of the last decade. Unbelievably talented, yet incredibly unsound. It was amazing he even ran eight times.

I saw his Daddy at Bridlewood not too long ago and thought of Southern Image as well. :)

He worked very impressively as OBS March as a 2yo, trainer Mike Machowsky was able to talk his clients into going to 300K for him...the most expensive horse he ever got to train at the time.

It was only a 13 MPH tailwind the day of the Pimlico Special.

Ahh there was many a good discussion
on Toccet and Buddy Gil on ESPN. I do
remember that and some of their following.

Southern Image seem like he was injured
quite a few times. Or he came back from
one signficant injury only to get injured again.
We just wanted to see him get a full chance.
Too bad.