A Lesson Learned

[justindew]

In 2005, I incorrectly labeled Afleet Alex as being in need of a rest after the Kentucky Derby. He then went on to prove me wrong by winning the Preakness and Belmont.

This year, I said the same thing about Curlin, and we saw what he did.

I think I have been jaded (for lack of a better term) by the fragility of modern thoroughbreds during the last few years. By and large, horses of today who try to do what Curlin has done since February fail miserably. But instead of taking a step backward, Curlin made a huge jump forward. So I guess the lesson is that no matter how weak the breed becomes as a whole, really good horses can still overcome some of the obstacles that most horses can't.

I probably should have learned this after Afleet Alex won the Preakness, but sometimes it takes a few examples for me to change my thinking.