How many top-flight deep closers …

[Gaining Ground]

Originally Posted by 10 pnt move up

in general most horses of 2010 suck in comparison to 1993-94, at least in the male division where they are carted off after 6 starts.

so cigar beat better?

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by Gaining Ground

so cigar beat better?

of course

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by HomerS

Not sure would categorize Cigar as a deep closer. Not getting into the greatness part just talking running style.

Cigar was a presser/stalker, I cant remember him too far back in any of his races.

[Port Conway Lane]

Originally Posted by HomerS

Not sure would categorize Cigar as a deep closer. Not getting into the greatness part just talking running style.

Good point. True Deep closers are very rare in dirt racing so there are very few top flight horses to compare her to. Victory Gallop comes to mind as a horse who fired nearly every time.

Zenyatta's first Apple Blossom win was very impressive but she hasn't faced top horses on dirt frequently enough to really make a fair comparison to any dirt closer. Synthetic tracks have probably given her an edge but her durability and trainer's conditioning shouldn't be taken for granted in a remarkable career.

[Travis Stone]

Cigar's best career race was his last one. Parked wide the entire away on a golden rail, and his class puts him in the mix right at mid-stretch. No, he wasn't trying to pass Citation, but to be so wide, after a year and a career like that, and to still have a shot down the stretch is pretty cool.