Times have changed. Gone are the days of the truly great horses. Gone are the days of horses like Seattle Slew and Spectacular Bid. Gone are the days of horses that can handle the TC or stay sound enough to race as a four year old.
That is why in ten years, I say that Curlin will be considered a great horse. Because we will rarely ever see a great three year old race as a four year old. He is doing the unthinkable...we are seeing a shadow of the true greats in him. He is taking racing back in time.
I think Curlin is a great horse. He is in that same realm as the great horses of past years even though he didn't have the foundation necessary to win the Derby, and ran into another freak in the Belmont. He is that talented, and of the right type. He looks like one of them. If he races throughout the year (holding my breath...probably won't, but I didn't think he would ever run in Dubai), I think he will establish himself as such. In my eyes, he is exactly what racing needs, and I thank Jess Jackson for letting us see him this year(even though we don't know the real motive unless he is being sincere).
If he races throughout the year, it will be one heck of a ride. I obviously wasn't around in the 70s, and he is giving me a glimpse of what it was like to be around when those horses were running. When I see him, I almost get teary eyed in awe...I know that I am witnessing something phenomenal. He gives me that high.
How many horses in today's racing world would still be sound enough to go a mile and a quarter off of a long layoff carrying that much weight...winning on top of it all after a very tough 3 year old season, and still be able to win the Dubai World Cup? If he wins in Dubai, it will truly be something special.
I think that it is a little unfair to say that Curlin won't be considered great just yet...
By the way, great horses that have not won the TC.
Spectacular Bid among many others....
Great horses that haven't won the Derby...
The Grey Ghost, Man O' War, Seabiscuit, Cigar, etc.....
|