This is different

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

For a speed horse - It's WAY harder to get 7fs or a one-turn mile this time of year - than it is to get 8.5f or 9f.

Not if the race is at Santa Anita after a rainstorm against a field of other 6f horses. When bonafide Derby candidates actually used races like the San Vincente or the Hutcheson as prep races, then it was tough for the speed horses to get it done at 7f.

By the way Honour and Glory, Funontherun, Conveyance, Rojo Toro, Crafty C.T., Orville N Wilburs, all one at a flat mile at Santa Anita as early 3yos. Add in Apollo, who split Dinard and Best Pal. So I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you.

Even Bob Black Jack was right there with Colonel John in the Santa Anita Derby - and he's a true speed sprinter.

How about the 8.5f San Felipe that year? Georgie Boy over Gayego over Bob Black Jack.

If any of those nags stayed sound it would have been the most productive BC Sprint prep of the year.