All I was ever saying is it is tough to run in large fields with a bunch of good horses. Bernardini ran a very good race and I now have more respect for such a talented 3 year old. He faced a large fairly tough field and responded admirably. People just dont understand that a horse does not necessarily have to win to earn respect. Smarty Jones impressed me more in the Belmont than any other race I saw him run. That race put him in a special category. But of course a horse has to win... for some people. Mineshaft running a fantastic race against Perfect Drift also put him in a new category for me. These horses just did not give in, they gave everything they had. That is one of the things that defines a great animal for me.

Too bad we wont have the pleasure of watching him run again. I think with a better strategy, a little maturity, and an understanding that this was not the same type of field, Bernardini could indeed win a tough race like he just lost. He could have been one of the great ones, no doubt about that. Only 3 years old. Its really sad for me.