While I admire this filly and her accomplishments, and respect Carla Gaines and the rest of the connections for their excellent work, I have no problem saying flat out that there's no way Nashoba's Key will win HOY.
Since American racing is primarily known for its amazing dirt contests, HOY generally goes to a horse that has performed well on dirt (it takes a special turf runner indeed to overshadow our dirt racers; the last turf HOY I can remember was Kotashaan in 1993, and Nashoba's Key does not have Kotashaan's credentials), that has traveled widely and still maintained winning form (she has raced exclusively on the West Coast), and that has prevailed against a strong number of top-level competitors (she hasn't faced the same quality and quantity of competition as have others in the hunt for HOY).
More factors could be added to the list, but these are a good start.
And I'm not saying those factors necessarily should keep Nashoba's Key from winning HOY, but they will anyway.
__________________
Favorite Trick--2yo HOY 1997
|