Inspirational and depressing at the same time

[justindew]

Formal Gold's record in races at distances under 1 1/4 miles was 12-8-4-0. His worst defeat was 3/4 length.

[slotdirt]

I always liked the way Black Tie Affair won route races. Get the lead, guns blazing, and dare someone to catch you. He was Commentator with moxie.

[slotdirt]

A personal favorite of mine. I'm hijacking justin's thread, and proudly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiMml...eature=related

[blackthroatedwind]

I don't care about eclipse awards.....very simply Formal Gold was one of the best horses I have ever seen.

[justindew]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I don't care about eclipse awards.....very simply Formal Gold was one of the best horses I have ever seen.

Nevertheless, it's a crime that he didn't get Horse of the Year in '97.

6-1 in the Donn was also a crime.

[justindew]

Originally Posted by Cardus

What a thrilling three-way round robin that was among 'Gold, Skip Away, and Will's Way.

And if Louis Quatorze hadn't gotten hurt after winning the Ben Ali in the spring.....

The handicap division of 1997 was probably the best we've had in the last 15 years.

[philcski]

Originally Posted by justindew

And if Louis Quatorze hadn't gotten hurt after winning the Ben Ali in the spring.....

The handicap division of 1997 was probably the best we've had in the last 15 years.

Add in the fact that the 3YO's were excellent too, probably best 1-2-3-4 Derby finishers of the past 25 years (and the Belmont winner, another good one, didn't even run.)

[justindew]

Originally Posted by Cardus

I know that he didn't face anyone in the Ben Ali, but he did win by a county. (14 lengths?)

Editor's Note was in that field.

[Pedigree Ann]

Originally Posted by justindew

Formal Gold's record in races at distances under 1 1/4 miles was 12-8-4-0. His worst defeat was 3/4 length.

He was getting weight from Skip Away in every race except the Woodward, in case you didn't notice.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

He was getting weight from Skip Away in every race except the Woodward, in case you didn't notice.

And his Woodward was his best race and easiest victory over Skip Away. Thank you for pointing out what I have said all along.....weight is meaningless. Much appreciated.

[justindew]

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

He was getting weight from Skip Away in every race except the Woodward, in case you didn't notice.

I don't have Skip Away's PPs in front of me, and it's been 10 years. But other than his win over Cigar at Belmont, I seem to remember his biggest victories coming against suspect fields.