Spectacular Bid

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

I think if you rated the most outstanding Saratoga 3-year-old seasons of all time - General Assembley would be right up there.




He went 7fs in 1:21 flat in his first start at the meet as a 3yo - he won the Travers by 15 lengths over an off track in his other start that meet. The Beyer was 134 for that race according to Beyer's book 'The Winning Horseplayer'

A horse named Smarten - who entered the Travers on a six race win streak (all at the stakes level) was 2nd.



The 3rd place finisher in that Travers was Private Account - beaten a mere 26 lengths.



Private Account was a multiple Grade 1 winner as a race horse - but was better as a sire. He's the sire of the legendary Personal Ensign as well as the great Inside Information.

Champion filly Davona Dale was 4th beaten 28.75 lengths in the field of 7.


General Assembly only ran twice more after that - he was drubbed by The Bid and than cut back to win the Vosburgh in his final start. He faced Spectacular Bid six times .. and he lost all 6 matchups - never once getting closer than 2.75 lengths. He was 2nd in the Kentucky Derby. The Travers certainly would have been the day for him. He still holds the track record for 10 furlongs at Saratoga today.

He was a monster...but Bid was so f'n good that he made General Assembly seem like nothing. It's amazing what a strong hand Leroy Jolley had in those days.

Davona Dale was a week off losing the Alabama to It's in the Air ( Veitch just couldn't beat Laz Barrera...though she got revenge in the Ballerina the following year ). I believe Smarten compiled his winning streak shipping around the country for softer spots.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

He was a monster...but Bid was so f'n good that he made General Assembly seem like nothing. It's amazing what a strong hand Leroy Jolley had in those days.

Davona Dale was a week off losing the Alabama to It's in the Air ( Veitch just couldn't beat Laz Barrera...though she got revenge in the Ballerina the following year ). I believe Smarten compiled his winning streak shipping around the country for softer spots.

general assembly was my favorite and my pick to win the derby. i wasn't happy when the bid defeated him in the derby, but i came to respect that horse. he was one of the best ever, if not the best.

[Indian Charlie]

Zenyatta and Blame, the Prequel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZFr6N2lNY4

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

Zenyatta and Blame, the Prequel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZFr6N2lNY4

Why was Life's Hope entered if he had the same running style as Affirmed?

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Why was Life's Hope entered if he had the same running style as Affirmed?

He didn't. Affirmed's saddle slipped.

Watch the Marlboro.