Eskendereya skipping FL Derby, prefering Wood

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

I think there's a little BS involved about how "rushing" a young horse into facing "Grade 1" competiton is a recipe for ruining them.

Look at last years 3yo champion Summer Bird. He was 4th in a 6f MSW race at Oaklawn March 1st.

His 2nd career start didn't come till March 19th - when he broke his maiden. From there he ran in what would now be 7 straight Grade 1 Stakes race.

3rd career start in Arkansas Derby, Kentucky Derby, Belmont, Haskell, Travers, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Breeders Cup Classic.

i think so too. i think you ruin a horse by not having him fit enough for a tough race, not by running him vs his peers.