HP,

What I mean is that I completely disagree with you that 47 is fast for that race.

The fillies went 46.3 and 1:10.2 in the Distaff. Granted that race is an eighth of a mile shorter, but the Classic horses are much better animals. Remember the fractions for Roses In May in the Whitney, 45 and change, 1:08 and change. And last year's 1 1/4 mile classic, Congaree and Medaglia d'Oro went 46.1 and 1:10.1.

Ghostzapper's pace wasn't quick. It was "fair". When the "pace figure" guys do their match, I am sure they will agree.

But you are 100% right, who would expect that a dirt horse would ACCELERATE into the last 1/4 mile of a 1 1/4 mile race. I don't remember the last time I saw that. It happens in slow paced turf races all the time, but I can't remember the last dirt race where that happened. That is what makes this horse the "freak" that he is. That was an incredible performance. 1:59 flat and if you watch the replay you will see Castellano stopped riding the horse 100 yards before the finish, and started pumping his right hand in victory. Maybe could have a tick or two faster if he had to!!!