The last 10 years have turned just about everything upside down, with the 5 weeks rest, 2 prep schedule, geldings, et al, but for what it's worth, here are two long standing trends still standing that I tried to take apart.
The "no races at 2".
I think the "no race at 2" thing is overstated, but I do agree u need some foundation and experience.
So who are the ones who tried it in our time:
Summer Bird- won Belmont/Travers
Dunkirk- multi million dollar yearling, got hurt
Greely Galaxy 11th
Curlin became 2 time HOY
Atswhatimtalkinbout 4th
Wheelaway 5th
Indian Charlie, never raced again
Pulpit 4th, hurt, retired
Bodemeister ??
Say what you want, but there were some major talents here and the closest to winning was Curlin, who failed in the Derby but was good enough to win the Preakness and be HOY.
Now look at those undefeated going in:
Undefeated going in:
Big Brown 3-0 win
Curlin 3-0 3rd
Barbaro 5-0 win
Showing Up 3-0 6th
Smarty Jones 6-0 win
Trippi 4-0 (sprinter)
Indian Charlie 4-0 3rd
Gemolotist 5-0 ????
There were a handful of others going back to Mr. Frisky, but as a group, these have some pretty impressive results.
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Do I think Charity can win? Well, I am walking around in yesterday's suit.
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