No. They don't make it public. I'll let you know when I hear.

I guess I'm more curious/naive as to how they determine that number? Is it ego or formula that drives it..or probably both?

I don't know much about that side of the business ( to say the least ). I do know the Hard Spun and Street Sense numbers were outrageous.

They arent kidnapping them.

But Chuck, you aren't taking into consideration the fact that Pyro is currently FAVORED to win a Grade 1. Of course I'm referring to Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands Future Wager, where Pyro closed at a juicy 4-1.

When you consider he'll probably be as low as 4-1 on Derby Day, getting the bet down now just makes sense. I think you would agree with me.

No because they really dont compete with anyone. If there were other entities that were playing on the same level that they are maybe but the fact remains that the horse has never won a grade 1 race. I can see it now the ads , "He was favored to win the Derby in pool 2"

The business aspect is a card to be played by the people cashing out, not the oil barons.You can argue that businesswise it was a good move because we dont know what they paid for him. You could make a case that it would be better for him not to run again because of "injury" because then he will be supported on what he might have done or was supposed to do, instead of actual accomplishment, which is how the Big Browns of the world get famous.

That's the way I feel, too. I rooted for Curlin in the BC Classic because there was at least a CHANCE he would run again at 4. Had he finished behind Street Sense and/or Hard Spun, the handicap division would be even more depressing this year.

There's only one top 3-yr-old guaranteed to run next year barring injury: El Gato Malo! Let's hope he takes to real dirt.

--Dunbar

Clearly my original comment was tongue-in-cheek, but that being said, we know the Hard Spun sale had a Grade I clause. Maybe this has a similar bonus.

One would hope