Spectacular Bid

[The Indomitable DrugS]

I think if you rated the most outstanding Saratoga 3-year-old seasons of all time - General Assembley would be right up there.




He went 7fs in 1:21 flat in his first start at the meet as a 3yo - he won the Travers by 15 lengths over an off track in his other start that meet. The Beyer was 134 for that race according to Beyer's book 'The Winning Horseplayer'

A horse named Smarten - who entered the Travers on a six race win streak (all at the stakes level) was 2nd.



The 3rd place finisher in that Travers was Private Account - beaten a mere 26 lengths.



Private Account was a multiple Grade 1 winner as a race horse - but was better as a sire. He's the sire of the legendary Personal Ensign as well as the great Inside Information.

Champion filly Davona Dale was 4th beaten 28.75 lengths in the field of 7.


General Assembly only ran twice more after that - he was drubbed by The Bid and than cut back to win the Vosburgh in his final start. He faced Spectacular Bid six times .. and he lost all 6 matchups - never once getting closer than 2.75 lengths. He was 2nd in the Kentucky Derby. The Travers certainly would have been the day for him. He still holds the track record for 10 furlongs at Saratoga today.