Divisional best by decade since 1900

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

1940's:

2yo: Count Fleet

Very interesting and nicely-assembled list.

My one question is about this one. How close was it between Count Fleet and Citation (who I assume was second) in your mind? I take it you didn't hold it against Count Fleet that it took him a few races to get going.

I guess the same question could be asked in other divisions as well. When comparing Bernardini to, for example, Curlin or Rachel Alexandra how much do you count Bernardini's debut against him? Does it matter that he started off his 3yo season with a defeat in a MSW, or do you primarily just look at how good the horses were once they got going and were running at their preferred distances, etc.?