Can someone explain the Colonel John silliness to me?

[Charismatic1]

Just off the top of my head...

Tiz Wonderful - 2 time graded stakes winner at Churchill where Tiznow won the Classic.
Folklore - Champion 2yo filly (all on dirt). BC Juvy Fils and Matron won at Belmont, where her daddy won the Classic.

Tiznow clearly struggles to get top class dirt horses, especially at places where he succeeded.