Class,

I re-read your original post. It's interesting. I didn't see the races so I'll have to trust your observations....but I will say that I think your observations are totally reflected on the horse's TG sheet.

The races that you describe sound like efforts. On the sheet it looks like the horse had gotten to a certain point and consistently delivered the goods. Four fives in a row for a 2-3yo is pretty impressive to me. However, they look (based on your observations as well!) like EFFORTS, where the horse is running pretty hard.

After four in a row I ask myself - will he get better today?

Your position seems to be - he's demonstrated that he's better than these in his last few races.

My position is - he's run hard four straight (and you may be right that he's better than he looks! -- on his best day) so as a result of these efforts, TODAY he's more likely to poop out than move forward.

Running strong in those four straight is a NEGATIVE for me in the Lane's End (based on wear and tear on a young horse). I agree with what you say about how good those races were -- but how do you factor in the wear and tear of Texcess running hard enough to demonstrate his pace superiority in those four straight races?

HP