Point Given

[Calzone Lord]

Originally Posted by PatCummings

First - I question the credentials of many of the horses Point Given defeated in his wins (against some small fields). Wins might've been impressive, but shouldn't you at least face open competition before you're crowned a HoFer, barring a Triple Crown sweep?

He faced very good 3yo competiton -- races like the Preakness, Belmont, Haskell, and Travers are among the most prized of the Grade 1's by owners.

How many horses have completed such a sweep?

You can't fault him for getting hurt before having a chance to face older males... but sure, it's a hole in his resume.

Originally Posted by PatCummings

Second - because he did it on turf, it doesn't count as much?

Turf racing is an afterthought here. Most of the good turf sires aren't here -- our good horses often aren't even tried on turf until they've flopped on dirt. We breed and race primarily for dirt.

Originally Posted by PatCummings

Gio Ponti is everything we don't have enough of in this sport...wins over five seasons, always showed up (never beaten more than 4 lengths in his 17 losses, 2.5 lengths or less in 16 of them)...

His case would have been helped had he beat Court Vision the other day.

Maybe a hall of fame for hangers who stay healthy?