Quote:
Originally Posted by helicopter11
Was the Ky Derby seen as the premiere race for 3yo back then or were there other races like the JC Gold cup seen as the race to win.
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Derby has always been a premiere 3yo race -- pretty much right from its inception. But it didn't truly establish its dominance until the 1910's.
The NY Handicap Triple Crown races (Met Mile, Brooklyn, and Suburban) were a MUCH bigger deal in old times. The Met Mile is still a big deal -- but the other two races have lost major importance and are no longer hard races for a top horse to win because of shrinking weight concessions.
Jockey Club Gold Cup has always been a premier stayer race. It's still a huge race -- but now the distance is only 10fs and its just a final prep for the BC Classic.
Santa Anita Handicap was also once a great, great race. Easily the best race on the West coast. Good 3-year-olds would get in light carrying 95 to 108lbs. It was not an easy one to win, especially early on.