Most Underrated of 2006

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

Losing the BC Classic by about a length as a 3yo to a very good horse is pretty impressive if you think about it.

While I don't agree that Bernardini was underrated....his repute was earned with one cup-cake trip after another.

I do however agree with you that he ran very well in the Breeders Cup Classic, far better than people seem to want to give him credit for running. It was also his first time facing real in-race adversity against top company...if anything, I was impressed with I saw from him.

He came up empty in the last 1/8th---but was understandably moved too soon, while finding himself further than he typically is, behind that very solid early pace.

I also agree that Bernardini could have developed further. In fact, a very rational case could be made that Bernardini's best race might have been his BC Classic loss. I also believe Invasor's best race was his Classic win...even though his winning performance in the Whitney is MASSIVELY underrated.