1. Tiznow - He was supposed to come back for a 5yo campaign before one of the owners renigged. Needless to say, I don't think he would have been 7-1 or 9-1 in the '02 Classic, and I don't think he would've been splitting hairs on the wire, either. 3-time winner - easy.
2. Galileo - Still bitter he couldn't be allowed to run on as a 4yo after his Classic disappointment. Why wasn't High Chap retired after his BC WIN? Makes no sense, and I think Galileo was as good if not the best middle-distance MALE horse from Europe since Lammtarra. Perhaps tied with Dalakhani in my eyes. (I'm gettin ripped for this)
3. Smarty Jones - As a 4-year-old. He was constantly improving and I think he would have been an absolute beast at 4. He was special at 3 as it was. I do respect Saint Liam a lot, though.
4. Charismatic - Somer and I share the same thoughts on this boy. He was just coming into his own when he broke down. I saw him turning into a great. I still believe it and I thank this guy for getting me hooked on the sport.
5. Vindication - I truly believe this horse was also an absolute freak.
6. Holy Bull - Before I became a fan, but it sucks he never ran on the Holiday.
7. Rock of Gibralter - He certainly would've made amends for his defeat with a second chance. As an english race caller said, "this is a machine."
8. Barbaro - I loved Invasor in the Classic from a handicapping perspective, but if Barbaro was set to go, I would've been head and heart in his camp.
9. Kitten's Joy - Mulligan please...and no bone chips.
10. Afleet Alex - I don't think he would've been able to handle Smarty and Liam as a 3yo, but as a 4yo he might have been near magical. I just wish they would've given him the proper time instead of trying to rush back for the Classic.
I love Ouija Board and would love to have seen her run against the boys here in the States, but she's run against the boys so much elsewhere that she doesn't really leave any question marks. Truly great.
Historically, Spectacular Bid and Phar Lap jump out at me.
Lastly, I would have loved to have seen the great Silent Witness run here in the States in his prime - Mile or Sprint. No horse has dropped my jaw quite like he did. I hope he still has something left.
-Ryan
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