Which horses were truly great?

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by SniperSB23

Let me ask you this? How many males in the history of this sport would have gone 13 for 13 if allowed to run in the same 13 races as Personal Ensign? I think a lot more than the 22 horses I listed. If she were male would she be regarded as highly or is she so highly regarded because she was so great for a filly?

but keep in mind that she did beat a fellow eclipse award winner (gulch) and won most of those races after coming back from a broken leg. she wasn't just a filly-most fillies don't get as much respect as they should because they don't run in open races, but personal ensign did just that. for a horse to win out at two is something anyway, since they're just learning.
also, ruffian was never headed til she lost, and that was her first time vs males-well, a male. but she blew out the clock as well as her competition.

i think that we all start adding too many horses to the 'great' list. there really are a few who have transcended time-man o war, secretariat, dr fager. so when you start mentioning skip away-does he belong with those three?
maybe not, but he was a great horse.