I've been lurking for a while. But the Dr. Fager and Seattle Slew at a mile is such an intriguing topic I have to put my 2 cents in. IMHO they are definitely the two greatest milers ever. Doc still has the world record. Slew only ran once at a mile, in the Champagne where he set a world record for 2 year olds. And Slew also set a world record for 3 year olds going 7 furlongs in his first start at 3.

Some how I don't see the Doc beating Slew. Why?

When Dr. Fager ran against Damascus and Buckpasser at 10 furlongs they sent a rabbit against him. They went 22 45 1:09 and the Doc got cooked and cracked, losing by 11 lengths. When Slew went against Affirmed and Exceller at 12 furlongs they sent a rabbit against him. Slew broke through the starting gate. When they restarted he and the rabbit and Affirmed went 22 45 1:09 and Cordero lost his irons for a bit and Slew went wide on the final turn, Exceller snuck by inside by a half, Slew fought back and lost by a nose. One jump past the wire he was in front. Yeah Slew finished up in 1.18. But he was still 20 in front of Affirmed. And I've never seen or heard any horse running 22 45 in another mile and half race and being there at the finish.

After watching that race I find it hard to believe any horse in history could have gone head to head with a fit Slew at any distance and beat him. Not even the great Dr. Fager.