2yos today have it easy compared to their ancestors of a few decades past. When I started going racing, 2yos started racing 4-4.5f(around a turn) at places like Hialeah and Fair Grounds in March, and by the time they got to Keeneland and Churchill, they had a few starts under their belts before facing stakes company. Lafayette S for 2yo was closing day (Friday) and the Bashford Manor was the feature at CD two weekends later. The Debutante was the Derby week race, for fillies, who tend to mature faster,
What is bad for 2yos is sending them around two turns starting in AUGUST!
Count Fleet never ran around 2 turns at 2, Affirmed didn't either, and Secretariat didn't until November. That sprint to the first turn at most tracks for 8f and 8.5f races is far worse than a 2f straight race, then add double the turns on young knees and ankles....,
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