If Esky had stayed healthy we would all likely be dicussing today whether or not he was going to win the triple crown as he had two races this year that would have wiped out anything in the Derby or Preakness. A horse will come along that will be superior to the crop and get the job done. I can only imagine the things people were saying between 1948 and 1973.
Spectacular Bid definitely would have been a deserving triple crown winner if he didn't step on a pin. I personally think Smarty Jones would would have been as well if not for a boneheaded ride and several jocks who were not riding to win the Belmont, but just to beat Smarty. Afleet Alex may have been a deserving candidate as well with a better trip in the Derby.
Let's face it, Real Quiet and Silver Charm both came very close and who knows whether Charismatic would have won it if he didn't suffer the injury in the stretch. The simple fact is that Super Saver is really just not that great and certainly does not stand out amongst this weak crop.
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