Big 2 yr old races??

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by Bold Brooklynite

I've posted this before ... but it's worth repeating ...

... in the 1940's, 1950's, and 1960's there were 26 champions who made their first starts as 2YOS in February, March, or April. Of the 26 ... only one ... Hail To Reason ... had a career that was shortened by injury.

There isn't any sport where successful professionals didn't begin to play against serious competition as kids. It's no different for horses. If a horse is going to be an accomplished professional ... he must start learning the trade early.

This lesson has been largely lost ... but with the frequent breakdowns of lightly-raced and lately-raced horses ... maybe someone will re-learn it.

BB,
You are certainly entitled to your opinion (and your facts to back it are good).
I work with horses all the time. Two year olds don't have their bones fully calcified. It's just my opinion but I think if they are pushed too early, problems will develop later. I can tell you ten stories for every two year old winner, bad stuff.
If you allow an analogy...would you put your eight year old son into a little league game, tell him to pitch as hard as he can for nine innings?
We don't do that.
The kid's bones and mucscles aren't ready for that.
Nor are two year old thoroughbreds.
Just my opinion.
DTS