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Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann
Trainers like Lukas and Baffert depended on innate talent for their stayers, since neither learned much about conditioning while training QHs. Lukas had a good eye for an athlete, and Baffert had people with a good eye for an athlete, who picked out Silver Charms and Real Quiets for him.
Afleet Alex came out of his exhausting Derby, and his acrobatic miracle in the Preakness, to run his best race ever in the Belmont because he had been properly conditioned, by a horseman who knew how to get a horse fit.
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I am not disputing any of that -- however, in a discussion like this I don't think we can generically say "trainers" or "owners" or any group for that matter. Afleet Alex was a very tough racehorse. Perhaps as a tough a colt as we've seen in some time. From the beginning of his 2yo year, straight through the end of his career -- he showed up and danced every dance. Unfortunately, he didn't go on, just like so many we've seen before. The "so many" comes more from the breed itself, then what we do with the breed.
Anyway, DWL has taken criticism his entire career, from both people who have no idea what they are talking about, and people who do. Baffert is no different -- another easy target for criticism. So what. At one time or another they produced results. If we know that "the cost" was just too much then it behooves those in a position to do something about it. Unfortunately, easier said than done.
It's circular blame here. As long as there are big money races and owners who want to win them, and stud deals, there will be farms who breed for speed and precocious two year olds. As a result, there will be faster and faster two year old sales. There will also be pinhookers and trainers who need to produce for the owner who paid big money for that two year old. What do they care about the sophmore season, they need to get to the big dances as a two year old so they know they have a quality animal. The trainer has to answer to the owner, or start the BS stories, and later save face. The owner wants to bring his family and friends and enjoy the sport of kings -- but don't forget that big money stallion deal, we want that too -- and the horse has to be rushed off to the breeding shed. And so on and so on.
Listen, this is all about economics -- period. Economics, capitalism, supply and demand, etc. are all driving this business and sport.
Eric