Time Is Now For Darley's Dominance In States - by Joel Cunningham

[Betsy]

Ironhorse, the Sheikhs have run Dubai Millenium and Street Cry as four year olds, so why wouldn't they want more fun with Bernardini? Heaven knows they don't need the immediate cash flow that comes from retiring a horse to stud..

Joel, it would piss me off if they sent him to Europe for a couple of reasons. First, he's bred for dirt mostly (although Indy has had some good turf runners) and second, this is what Darley has waited for for years - an American classic winner. They wanted success in the US and they have it; I imagine they are very proud of their horses. Why wouldn't they want Bernardini to (hopefully) clean up some of the most important stakes in the US? Also, I don't see why it's so important for Bernardini to prove himself over turf - if he becomes great on dirt, that's sufficient for me. I hope it's the same for the Sheikhs.

I think he would be a fighter, too, but we may not find out until he faces older horses. I've heard criticism of Bernardini because he's winning so easily......wow, that makes no sense. A really good horse will often win easily-why knock a horse for being talented? I have to admit that I favor all AP Indys; I'm biased, I admit it. That being said, this colt is so darn gorgeous and charismatic; I noticed in the Withers that he floats over the track. What a stride.

I'm just going to enjoy him for right now; no sense worrying about the future. He apparently came out of the Jim Dandy in good shape, which is the most important thing