2/19 (GP): ALW.. Dunkirk, Alma d'Oro & More..

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by miraja2

This is my least favorite part of this time of year. I totally understand your point, but when a promising young colt with an outstanding pedigree overcomes a wide trip to win impressively going 9f, must almost ALL of the talk immediately turn to whether he has a chance or not in Louisville? I realize it is the biggest day in racing, but must everything be about that?
I thought it was an impressive performance by the colt and if he stays healthy (obviously a big question mark given the sire) I think any Dunkirk fans out there DO have reason to be optimistic about his 3yo campaign as a whole.

at this point in the year, what else is there? obviously the best and brightest will be included in derby talk.

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by Danzig

obviously the best and brightest will be included in derby talk.

Right. I'm not trying to say that people shouldn't be talking about the Derby in February. As you say, they obviously will. It just bugs me when I see people dismiss quality performances from colts in February and March because they don't figure to be a big factor in the Derby (I'm not saying that is what blackthroatedwind was doing exactly). Did Dunkirk get his career started in time to be a probable Derby winner? Probably not, but that doesn't mean that he might not have the potential to be a very nice colt down the road.

The way these owners and trainers are they might just retire the horse if he doesn't make the derby.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by miraja2

Right. I'm not trying to say that people shouldn't be talking about the Derby in February. As you say, they obviously will. It just bugs me when I see people dismiss quality performances from colts in February and March because they don't figure to be a big factor in the Derby (I'm not saying that is what blackthroatedwind was doing exactly). Did Dunkirk get his career started in time to be a probable Derby winner? Probably not, but that doesn't mean that he might not have the potential to be a very nice colt down the road.

with the flashes of talent and his pedigree, i don't know that we'll ever see him maximize his potential if he doesn't make the derby. with the price they paid for him, i would have to think they don't want to jeopardize his future earning potential in the shed.
of course with how things are right now, hopefully most of the top horses will remain in training-and with several UBS's on the radar, who knows what they'll all decide to do racing-wise?