Most "talented" horse since....?

[JJP]

The word "talent" brings to mind potential; not necessarily accomplishments. That's not a knock on Bernardini, who blew away the Preakness field in what, his 4th start? But to answer the original question, since The Bid, IMO, there's two horses since 1980 that stand out over all others in terms of accomplishments:

John Henry- a Grade 1 winner on grass and dirt. A grade 1 winner I believe at the age of 9. He won the Arlington Million twice and was a photo away from 3 wins, and won the Jockey Club GC on dirt, among other races. Besides his tremendous race record, what stands out is his will to win, his versatility, and his longevity. He was a freak.

Cigar- another freak although grass wasn't his game. His critics point out that his speed figures, while very good, weren't mind blowing. I think Cigar did what he had to do to win. 16 wins in a row is amazing and when he did lose, it was more a product of the pace (battling a 1:09 and change pace in the Pacific Classic, then falling too far behind a 47 3/5 pace when Skip Away beat him a nose at Belmont). He never should've even been in photos in those races the fact he came so close was evidence to his heart.

I guess in terms of raw talent, Easy Goer would have to come to mind. As good as he was, he didn't really live up to all the expectations. And same with Devil's Bag, who was being hailed as one of the all-time greats.

[Unbridled]

Ghostzapper and Rock of Gilbraltor

[kentuckyrosesinmay]

Originally Posted by Unbridled

Ghostzapper and Rock of Gilbraltor

I loved those two too. I also want to see what Deep Impact does. I think Bernardini will show all of them a thing or two by the time his career is over though.

I also like Barbaro, Sunday Silence, Cigar, Skip Away, Tiznow, Easy Goer, Silent Witness, Hurricane Run, John Henry, Personal Ensign, Dancing Brave, Makybe Diva, and Alysheba.

[Scurlogue Champ]

Lammtarra is my choice

4 for 4, won the Epsom Derby in record time with no preparation other than a 2 year old stakes.

Won the King George and the Arc against older as a 3 year old. Retired

Originally Posted by moodwalker

Lammtarra is my choice

4 for 4, won the Epsom Derby in record time with no preparation other than a 2 year old stakes.

Won the King George and the Arc against older as a 3 year old. Retired

Darley just bought him back. These guys are getting everything. Dam $75 a barrel oil is kiling american racing.

[Pedigree Ann]

Originally Posted by JJP

The word "talent" brings to mind potential; not necessarily accomplishments.
I guess in terms of raw talent, Easy Goer would have to come to mind. As good as he was, he didn't really live up to all the expectations. And same with Devil's Bag, who was being hailed as one of the all-time greats.

Twenty five years is quite a period of time in horse-racing; and why are you guys mentioning only US males? DIdn't Personal Ensign have a load of talent as well as grit? How about Princess Rooney (17 wins in 21 starts up to 10f, won the first BC Distaff by a pole)?

I can't leave Officer off of a list of horses with talent who didn't show it all the time on the track; he was a magnificent physical specimen with the guts of an amoeba. I loved to watch him move when he didn't have to fight for a win. (As an aside, Officer had lovely manners under tack, could have been a trail pony - no real aggression in the horse at any time.)

[JJP]

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

Twenty five years is quite a period of time in horse-racing; and why are you guys mentioning only US males? DIdn't Personal Ensign have a load of talent as well as grit? How about Princess Rooney (17 wins in 21 starts up to 10f, won the first BC Distaff by a pole)?

I can't leave Officer off of a list of horses with talent who didn't show it all the time on the track; he was a magnificent physical specimen with the guts of an amoeba. I loved to watch him move when he didn't have to fight for a win. (As an aside, Officer had lovely manners under tack, could have been a trail pony - no real aggression in the horse at any time.)

As good as Personal Ensign and Princess Rooney were; great mares, no question, I really doubt they would've beaten horses like Cigar, John Henry or Easy Goer.

I'm guessing most of us live in the U.S. so that's what we know best. We only get to see the top Euros maybe run once. I do know Dancing Brave was hailed as the best British horse in 25 years.....and Manila handed it to him at Santa Anita.