Lord Derby

[Hwjb]

Originally Posted by Cardus

Harry,
Firstly, I did not offer my statement as one of "fact," as if I were stating that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Mine was an opinion based upon performances from a wide geographical range, and one of OB's wins occurred in America this year. Bonus points are given for travel, yes indeed!

Relatedly, the only reason a North American dirt horse can claim the title of "world champ" is because dirt racing is so scarce elsewhere. Now, with the Dubai World Cup entrenched as a top-notch event and measuring stick, even this claim is now subject to closer inspection. I am using that scenario to reaffirm my position that horses who can win on multiple continents deserve higher praise than one who remained in one area. Twenty years ago, I would not have said the same thing, but with the enhanced ability to ship across the globe, why not reserve status for international "road warriors" when they routinely win?

I understand your point and its fair enough. However, for me, when evaluating either a world champ or what's going to win the seller at Market Rasen, you can only go on form. The form of the horse largely; what it has achieved. You can't judge it on connections' intentions, I hate the phrase, but you can't blame the horse if it isn't as aggressively campaigned as another. Their respective ability remains exactly the same, and you can only jusge a horse's ability by what it does on the racecourse, any racecourse.
For example, and sorry for just using one, but few would argue that Ghostzapper was the best in the world in 2004. But you can't take that away from him because he didn't leave North America.

Either way, I respect your opinion!