Quote:
Originally Posted by Merlinsky
it's hard for me not to see the class. Some horses just have that aura.
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I have him rated as very slightly the best 2yo of the 1910's decade and the best 3yo of the 1920's decade.
However, in terms of all-time greats discussions, he is massively overrated and probably because of his aura.
He came along right as American horse racing was coming out of a time period where it took an absolute beating...foal crops had been badly diminished -- racing was better in parts of Europe during this time. The good stock had suddenly been heading there -- where as later it would be imported here in a reverse type scenerio.
Whisk Broom was initally born here, but was sent to Europe where he had a 7-for-23 record and he ran just three races in America in 1913. He won them all and swept the elusive "New York Handicap Triple Crown" (Met Mile, Brooklyn, and Suburban)
He completed the Triple Crown sweep by winning the Suburban under 139lbs and running 2:00 flat for 1 1/4 miles at Belmont Park. He's in our Hall of Fame despite only making 3 career starts in the USA.