[Merlinsky]

I heard over the weekend that they wanted to go 3 more years with Wise Dan which means he'd retire after racing at age 9. If they're trying to keep him undefeated this year, is it a stretch to think they've got designs on the win streak? He's at 8 so far (would've been 12 if he hadn't lost the Stephen Foster) and if he finishes this year undefeated followed by next season, it'll be within reach. Keeping him mostly on grass could just be an effort maintain him long term, but the longer he plays it safe and stays healthy, the better the chances are that he gets the streak. Obviously challenging the horse isn't the priority, and it's not stud value. This would be another accomplishment for them to think about. I find it hard to believe they aren't thinking about that if they're considering his long term career and when they'd like to stop. You talk about what you'd like to do with the horse. An all-time win streak record in N.A. done at the top level? Another impressive laurel. (Not as much as Cigar and Citation's to me, but hey.)