I don't think that anyone is arguing that Smooth Air is a top notch horse. But he's a handy type who happened to be born in a weak crop, and he can do well if put on a strategic campaign. And it's fun to root for him, because the back story is good. I'm tired of Big Brown drama, steriods drama, breakdown drama, trainer drama. I just want to find a couple of cool horses with no controversy surrounding them, and watch them campaign. And, guess what? In a real campaign, sometimes you win, sometimes you get second, sometimes third! I don't mind that. It's bad for the sport if everyone tip toes around and only enters races that they're sure to win. Chances are fun, goals are fun.

Also, I draw a line through Smooth Air's Derby; he got quite a terrible trip, and I thought his finish was actually quite an honest effort. He lost training time due to illness, broke into the air, got bumped around at the started and was heavily checked during the first half of the race, yet still beat about half the field. If all that had not happened, I could see him finishing in the top ten. Maybe even top five, who knows? Sure, it does say something about the weakness of the competition, but it also shows that he really gives an effort each time, and I like that. What was Monba's excuse? Smooth Air is much more likeable than half of the Derby field, like Cowboy Cal, Court Vision, Gayego, etc, who seem to be totally inconsistent and all over the place. And at least he's showed up and raced again and has races set for the future! *yawn* When the hell are Colonel John and Pyro going to surface?

Steve
While he ran a nice Beyer yesterday it was a HORRIFIC field.

3 yr olds in my opinion who are better than Smooth Air....

BB
Casino Drive
Colonel John
Bob Blackjack
Denis of Cork
Gayego
Harlem Rocker
Georgie Boy
J BE K
Tale of Ekati



Notice I left off Visionaire.

I'm not an Smooth Air hater like some, but, there are a bunch of horses with a lot more potential. . . He's accomplished more at this point then most, though. He's solid, but there's definitely a ceiling as to how good he can be.

Harlem Rocker
Casino Drive
Unbridled's Heart
Lt. Ron
Biker Boy
Georgie Boy
Pyro (did everyone forget about him?)

If we count the fillies Eight Belles and Proud Spell

Motovato if he ever runs back to anything close to that race at CRC (I think I read that Wolfson's shipping him up to run this weekend in the Woody Stephens)

Maybe J Be K. . .

I can't decide if Denis is more talented. I've been on his bandwagon for a long time but I'm still not so sure he is. If they send Samba Rooster to the King's Bishop he'll be dangerous.

Sometimes the average fans still fail to understand

its mindboggling that anybody would consider Tueflesberg as being in the top 3 in his crop based on the Bluegrass. I guess that puts Dominican at the head of the class.:rolleyes:

You're asking me who do I pick? Is that a trick question? Smooth Air. I had him picked in January when no one knew who he was...

To answer the question of listing 8 other 3 yr old colts who have proven themselves better or accomplished more than Smooth Air. I think it can't be done.

No Steve not a trick question at all. Its very obvious where he fits in this group, right at the top.

you really think there are 3yos on the west coast that can beat Smooth Air? LOL

Ryan,

You're confusing me... I was on this colt as a 2yo at Calder.. Tabbed him in the Hutch, Florida and KY Derbies.. Had owner Brian Burns on ATR in January.. Told everyone about Bennie Stutts 2 months ago. I don't need to be sold on him. I posed the original question to those that don't think highly of him...

Yes
Probably
Maybe
No
Maybe
No
Yes
Maybe
Maybe
No

i have to jump in... i am not a hater or lover of smooth air or tale of ekati
but tale of ekati is much better then smooth air, and like horse sAID above his resume is as good if not better, actually i dont see as good... its 100% better at this point.... futurity and wood winner... or smooth air ?

Smooth Air's run a lot faster. . . Tale of Ekati's accomplished more.

i would rather own tale of ekati moving forward... for racing and breeding

What about petting?