Hard Spun Confirmed For Preakness

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by King Glorious

2006
Bluegrass Cat (2nd...Belmont).......didn't make it past the summer.
Steppenwolfer (3rd....Belmont)......I believe was knocked out for the rest of the year.

2005
Closing Argument (2nd...Preakness)....I don't think he's ever raced again.
Afleet Alex (3rd...Preakness/Belmont).........never raced again.

2004
Lion Heart (2nd...Preakness)........didn't make it past the summer.
Imperialism (3rd....Preakness)....continued on with his career.

2003
Empire Maker (2nd....Belmont).......didn't make it past the summer.
Peace Rules (3rd...Preakness).....continued on with his career.

So over the last four years, u have eight horses/
-three never raced again that year (37.5%)
-three more raced again but didn't make it past the summer (37.5%)
-two continued racing and even went into the next year (25%)

KG,

I don't what you can conclude... Bluegrass Cat was less than sound all along. Afleet Alex sustained a fracture in the Preakness incident. Empire Maker nursed a bad hoof much of his career.

Closing Argument barely even made it to the Derby having been kept together with spit and glue by McLaughlin. I'm sure if KMc had it to do over again, he'd have passed the Preakness.

But honestly, isn't the idea is to race 'em while you got 'em? They're just as liable to have their careers ended any morning training, or in their stalls any time, as in a race. Agree the stress adds to the scenarios, but they aren't developed to be museum displays.