3 year old Champion

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by King Glorious

I don’t think Flightline should be the 3yo champion but I’d like to ask you if you think he is the best 3yo? Not best resume but best horse?

Sprinters are always inferior to routers. Stamina is a key component of the classic Thoroughbred. That's why back in the days of logic and common sense there were no Grade 1 sprints except for maybe the Vosburgh.

That's not to say Flightline is a sprinter, but he has only run in sprints up to this point. And just because he is by Tapit or has won geared down in sprints that weren't even conducted like true sprints (more like team workouts) doesn't mean he is certain to stretch out with no problems.

On top of that his inexperience and lack of consistent racing makes him vulnerable in a route even if he is ultimately capable of it.

He might be no better than Rail Trip, who was a fine racehorse with a somewhat similar late-starting profile (until his career was needless de-Railed by his silly owner). I highly doubt he is as good as Formal Gold and certainly won't come close to emulating that one's 4yo campaign.

In this day and age, given the silly hype that has been showered on this horse and his connections, Flightline will be retired with a bullet if he happens to get beat like Formal Gold did in the 1996 Pennsylvania Derby or Rail Trip in the 2009 Mervyn LeRoy, even though it wasn't the end of the world for the latter two.

So let's hope he doesn't struggle in his next start if he happens to race before the Met Mile.

[King Glorious]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

Sprinters are always inferior to routers. Stamina is a key component of the classic Thoroughbred. That's why back in the days of logic and common sense there were no Grade 1 sprints except for maybe the Vosburgh.

That's not to say Flightline is a sprinter, but he has only run in sprints up to this point. And just because he is by Tapit or has won geared down in sprints that weren't even conducted like true sprints (more like team workouts) doesn't mean he is certain to stretch out with no problems.

On top of that his inexperience and lack of consistent racing makes him vulnerable in a route even if he is ultimately capable of it.

He might be no better than Rail Trip, who was a fine racehorse with a somewhat similar late-starting profile (until his career was needless de-Railed by his silly owner). I highly doubt he is as good as Formal Gold and certainly won't come close to emulating that one's 4yo campaign.

In this day and age, given the silly hype that has been showered on this horse and his connections, Flightline will be retired with a bullet if he happens to get beat like Formal Gold did in the 1996 Pennsylvania Derby or Rail Trip in the 2009 Mervyn LeRoy, even though it wasn't the end of the world for the latter two.

So let's hope he doesn't struggle in his next start if he happens to race before the Met Mile.

So then you think Essential Quality is the best horse? Do you also think Hot Rod Charlie and Midnight Bourbon, Mandaloun, and Rombauer are all better horses than Life is Good and Flightline?

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by King Glorious

So then you think Essential Quality is the best horse? Do you also think Hot Rod Charlie and Midnight Bourbon, Mandaloun, and Rombauer are all better horses than Life is Good and Flightline?

Essential Quality was clearly the best 3yo in 2021 in terms of class, consistency, stamina, number of wins, and winning speed figures at classic distances. Also, one of only three top-rated dirt 3yos (the others: Medina Spirit and Hot Rod Charlie) that ran a full campaign.

Life is Good wasn't even the best 3yo sprinter of 2021.

Americanrevolution did more as a 3yo in 2021 than Flightline.

Hot Rod Charlie ran the fastest middle distance 3yo race in the PA Derby, but he tailed off miserably and is now being overraced and will probably be toast if he makes it to the summer especially if he ships internationally.

Midnight Bourbon was not a top 3yo; he might end up like stablemate Tenfold. Mandaloun is widely inconsistent; did not finish first in any race of consequence.

In a full field at a classic distance with both Flightline and Life is Good in the field (and none of that Ghostzapper-Roses in May gentlemen's BS agreement...), I would give an in-form Rombauer a close look...

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

In a full field at a classic distance with both Flightline and Life is Good in the field (and none of that Ghostzapper-Roses in May gentlemen's BS agreement...), I would give an in-form Rombauer a close look...

So Rombauer's retirement doesn't deter you?

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

So Rombauer's retirement doesn't deter you?

I "would have given" an in-form Rombauer a close look...

At any rate, that wasn't even the most nonsensical part of that sentence.

Like Flightline and Life is Good would ever be in the same race over a classic distance...

...or that there would be a full field in a major race for older horses.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

I "would have given" an in-form Rombauer a close look...

At any rate, that wasn't even the most nonsensical part of that sentence.

Like Flightline and Life is Good would ever be in the same race over a classic distance...

...or that there would be a full field in a major race for older horses.

The latter being the most hilarious.