TGJB,

If you think figure handicapping can be somewhat subjective, class handicapping is ridiculous by comparison. You'd definitely have to bar me from the board. :-)

Personally, I thought Seattle Slew's crop was dreadful and I am a VERY HUGE fan of his. In his defense, even though his competition as a 3YO stunk, (Cormorant was OK and I think Silver Series, Jatski and JO Tobin weren't too bad later on) he was tons the best of them. He had a horrible start in the Derby then he dueled (a horror show of a trip) and then he dueled again in the Preakness and kept beating them. I think he got way better at 4. I thought Forego probably would have beaten the springtime 3YO Seattle Slew weight for age.

Do you remember what kind of numbers he was running as a 4YO? My figures were pretty bad in those days. It's a good thing I was a classhandicapper. ;-)

This brings back some great memories for me. I was a hotwalker at Aqueduct for David Sazer (remember him?) that summer. It's the only job I ever had in my life that I truly enjoyed (this computer programming crap for corporate America blows). I used to sneak into the vans to Belmont with the horses to catch the double and then sneak back for feeding time. :-)
Mark Casse worked in the barn at that time (he was a teenager like me). His father (Norm) had horses with Sazer.

I am less familiar with Big Red's crop, but he was also tons the best. Losing to Onion on a dead rail (according to Davidowitz)isn't a disgrace when you beat Riva Ridge and then wipe out the best turfers.

I agree with you about late development stuff. Maybe someone will get better next year.



Post Edited (11-29-04 16:41)