Rags!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

She's the first filly in history to win the Belmont at 12 furlongs and she beat a freak in Curlin...

I believe that Curlins status as a freak is a little bit cloudy

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I believe that Curlins status as a freak is a little bit cloudy

To his credit---he answered the bell every time...and made a good account of himself in all three triple crown races.

From a pedigree standpoint--what he has done has been nothing short of freaky....because anyone who studies pedigree and is honest with themselves about it...knows that he's not the type of horse who's supposed to be effective at a classic distance.

But yeah, this has been a low-rated crop of 3yo males that Curlin has excelled in.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

To his credit---he answered the bell every time...and made a good account of himself in all three triple crown races.

From a pedigree standpoint--what he has done has been nothing short of freaky....because anyone who studies pedigree and is honest with themselves about it...knows that he's not the type of horse who's supposed to be effective at a classic distance.

But yeah, this has been a low-rated crop of 3yo males that Curlin has excelled in.

I guess I'm getting old but making a good account of himself doesn't really equate into freak status. He is a very good horse who has accomplished much in a short period of time but I like my freaks to win.

On another note- I think that the purchase and pending retirement of Hard Spun is one of the really distressing signs of trouble in our sport. I mean it is one thing to retire horses who WIN classic races early, but to rush horses like him to the shed without ever winning a major race is a sad thing. Not to say he wont(though I would bet against it) but he was sold for multiple grade 1 money and he is a zero time grade 1 winner.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I guess I'm getting old but making a good account of himself doesn't really equate into freak status. He is a very good horse who has accomplished much in a short period of time but I like my freaks to win.

On another note- I think that the purchase and pending retirement of Hard Spun is one of the really distressing signs of trouble in our sport. I mean it is one thing to retire horses who WIN classic races early, but to rush horses like him to the shed without ever winning a major race is a sad thing. Not to say he wont(though I would bet against it) but he was sold for multiple grade 1 money and he is a zero time grade 1 winner.

he's running faster to the shed than he has to the finish line in these grade ones because of his pedigree--just like holy roman emperor, who didn't even start at three! it is a shame.

now you have to wonder if he runs again. i hope he does, but darley might not want him to.

[ArlJim78]

Rags had about the same trip as Curlin, except for stumbling at the start and racing wider.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

Rags had about the same trip as Curlin, except for stumbling at the start and racing wider.

What else do you want? The psycho chinese guy from the Artax race?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Danzig

he's running faster to the shed than he has to the finish line in these grade ones because of his pedigree--just like holy roman emperor, who didn't even start at three! it is a shame.

now you have to wonder if he runs again. i hope he does, but darley might not want him to.

Holy Roman Emperor was a flukey deal where he replaced a stallion that already had a huge and strong group of mare booked. Hard Spun's pedigree while nice is not strong enough to warrant early retirement without major wins. I'm sure Darley wants him to run again because he needs to win something.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Holy Roman Emperor was a flukey deal where he replaced a stallion that already had a huge and strong group of mare booked. Hard Spun's pedigree while nice is not strong enough to warrant early retirement without major wins. I'm sure Darley wants him to run again because he needs to win something.

yeah, it was a flukey deal.

of course porter doesn't have a done deal, it was supposed to be settled after the belmont today. altho i'm sure they still buy his rights, they just got them cheaper.

[fpsoxfan]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I guess I'm getting old but making a good account of himself doesn't really equate into freak status. He is a very good horse who has accomplished much in a short period of time but I like my freaks to win.

On another note- I think that the purchase and pending retirement of Hard Spun is one of the really distressing signs of trouble in our sport. I mean it is one thing to retire horses who WIN classic races early, but to rush horses like him to the shed without ever winning a major race is a sad thing. Not to say he wont(though I would bet against it) but he was sold for multiple grade 1 money and he is a zero time grade 1 winner.

Very Good point Chuck!!