"Greatness" has several aspects. I include consistency and durability as aspects of greatness. So, whenever someone says that Ghostzapper without-a-doubt was a "greater" horse than Cigar, I ask how many Ghostzapper vs Cigar races would Ghostzapper have won if they faced off 10 times in a year? I believe Cigar would have won at least 5. Could Ghostzapper have even showed up for more than 5?
I love both horses. But what Cigar accomplished on the track (and on so many tracks!) was something special. IMO he's as "great" as any horse since Spectacular Bid.
--Dunbar
__________________
Curlin and Hard Spun finish 1,2 in the 2007 BC Classic, demonstrating how competing in all three Triple Crown races ruins a horse for the rest of the year...see avatar
photo from REUTERS/Lucas Jackson
|