There's no stars in racing? Is that right?

[johnny pinwheel]

Originally Posted by miraja2

I agree with all of this.
But I do think there is a point when all of the cynicism and negativity directed at today's top horses from many in-the-know people can be a bit too much. Now, I realize that such negative reactions are often provoked by the ridiculous statements of owners like Jackson, analysts like Tessitore, and many members of the horse racing message board community....and while I too wish those people wouldn't make some of their outrageous statements, perhaps horse racing fans would be better served recognizing the accomplishments of a horse like Curlin, rather than constantly reminding everybody that compared to Easy Goer, Curlin was a donkey.
I also realize the irony in me, of all people, criticizing negativity and cynicism. I mean I actually started the thread comparing Curlin to Easy Goer and Sunday Silence in order to demonstrate the superiority of the latter pair. But all that being said, I still think Byk might have a point here.

its not even about any of that crap. these people do that trash talk no matter what. RACING HAS SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS. the greed makes for early retirements. the number of tracks offering large stakes purses lets the good horses avoid each other to run in "walk overs". the poly tracks lead to problems of making horses unwilling to travel. instead of stars you get regional champions. then when they DO meet its meaningless because some horses have an advantage of running on their perrferred surface. its all watered down, thats why theres a "star" problem.