Smarty Jones Classic

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

that 5 mill bonus still counted towards his earnings and was a big accomplishment. yes it dramatically increased his earnings, but Oaklawn laid the deal on the table and Smarty/Service/Elliot went out there and accomplished it.

I guess you and I differ about the HOF, I really believe he will be in there some day. Do you think Barbaro ever has a chance to be in the HOF?

Look, the Hall of Fame has serious credibility issues, and recently has taken steps to change things. I hardly think they want to make themselves a bigger joke now by opening their doors to horses who accomplished little while generating a great deal of hype.

Perhaps Smarty Jones could be given the Mortimerdexterfoxworthy Award for fooling the most people in the shortest period of time.

And, honestly, don't be ridiculous about Barbaro. Seriously, while you are in Saratoga, you need to take a good look at some of the actual accomplishments of horses in the Hall of Fame. These horses you are talking about are laughable in comparison to the deserving names over there.

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Look, the Hall of Fame has serious credibility issues, and recently has taken steps to change things. I hardly think they want to make themselves a bigger joke now by opening their doors to horses who accomplished little while generating a great deal of hype.

Perhaps Smarty Jones could be given the Mortimerdexterfoxworthy Award for fooling the most people in the shortest period of time.

And, honestly, don't be ridiculous about Barbaro. Seriously, while you are in Saratoga, you need to take a good look at some of the actual accomplishments of horses in the Hall of Fame. These horses you are talking about are laughable in comparison to the deserving names over there.

I understand your point about the HOF, but with how horse racing has been this decade, every horse is retired once they make it "big time". Do you really think none of these horses will make it into the HOF? They are all accomplishing "little" because they are taken to stud, with a few exceptions like Tiznow. (Lava Man has been accomplishing "a lot" because he's a gelding.. is he HOF worthy.. i dont know). Ghostzapper, Smarty, Afleet Alex, Point Given, etc. all taken to the shed when they could have had the chance to accomplish a lot more. At least Mineshaft ran an amazing 18 times. The game is changing so maybe the HOF requirements will be different.

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

I understand your point about the HOF, but with how horse racing has been this decade, every horse is retired once they make it "big time". Do you really think none of these horses will make it into the HOF? They are all accomplishing "little" because they are taken to stud, with a few exceptions like Tiznow. (Lava Man has been accomplishing "a lot" because he's a gelding.. is he HOF worthy.. i dont know). Ghostzapper, Smarty, Afleet Alex, Point Given, etc. all taken to the shed when they could have had the chance to accomplish a lot more. At least Mineshaft ran an amazing 18 times. The game is changing so maybe the HOF requirements will be different.

Andy, will you please comment on this post i have quoted. Will there ever be horses worthy of the HOF in the future because of long careers. there are no long careers anymore, at least for horses that win 2 or more triple crown races. How will this change the HOF?

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

Andy, will you please comment on this post i have quoted. Will there ever be horses worthy of the HOF in the future because of long careers. there are no long careers anymore, at least for horses that win 2 or more triple crown races. How will this change the HOF?

I would hope not. When horses start getting in the Hall of Fame for what might have been they should tear the place down.

I can just hear the speech " Smartest Jones would have been a GREAT horse, even better than his Daddy, had he not blown a suspensory in his second start. Many people, some who have even been around racing late in the 20th century, claimed his debut was the best they have seen since Proud Accolade....who by the way is another fine entrant into the Hall of Fame today ".


You earn the right to be placed alongside the greats through accomplishment. If for whatever reason a horse is retired before compiling a substantial resume it should not get in. Ever.

[randallscott35]

Once again, a 4yr old season at a minimum matters. Do what the Bid did and then come talk to me...Keep all horses out of the HOF except those that can't be argued.

Yearling - Jr. High
Two Year old - High School
3 Year old - College Freshman
4 Year old - College Junior
5 Year old - Professional/Shed Row

NFL rules. Minimum breeding age 5...regardless of injury.

The breeders can wait

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I would hope not. When horses start getting in the Hall of Fame for what might have been they should tear the place down.

I can just hear the speech " Smartest Jones would have been a GREAT horse, even better than his Daddy, had he not blown a suspensory in his second start. Many people, some who have even been around racing late in the 20th century, claimed his debut was the best they have seen since Proud Accolade....who by the way is another fine entrant into the Hall of Fame today ".


You earn the right to be placed alongside the greats through accomplishment. If for whatever reason a horse is retired before compiling a substantial resume it should not get in. Ever.

thanks for the answer. it looks like there will never be another derby winner in the HOF.

Speaking of great ones. Bob fox is up next talking about Phar Lap and the Diva from Austrailia. should be interesting

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

thanks for the answer. it looks like there will never be another derby winner in the HOF.

Or until the inevitable collapse of the breeding market.

[slotdirt]

Hmmm..wondering if Ghostzapper is a HOFer in the eyes of the same folks dismissing many other fine representatives of the sport.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

thanks for the answer. it looks like there will never be another derby winner in the HOF.
Speaking of great ones. Bob fox is up next talking about Phar Lap and the Diva from Austrailia. should be interesting

that's life. not like all every derby winner ever is automatically granted a berth. there are no doubt a LOT more derby winners who aren't enshrined then are, nor should they be based on one win. it's hall of fame, not hall of what may have been if....