I do understand that many owners don't view ownership as just an investment. However, the economics must be dramatically out of sync right now relative to the old days because in the past horses actually ran and earned their greatness. All these early retirements prove that economics plays a part.

I don't want to trash Ghostzapper because he was obviously very good. But let's face it, he beat Aggadan twice (a non-entity), Presidential Affiar (a minor stakes horse), and barely beat St Liam who to that point was only a Grade 2 Dutrow move up. The only race in which he really distinguished himself against a high quality and deep field was the BC Classic. Even there some would argue that he got away with a moderate pace on the lead. The Met looked great. Horses like Love of Money and Forest Danger are nice horses on the improve, but the former failed miserably against Grade 1 competition in the past and the latter had obvious questions marks at 8F. He quit when challenged by a Grade 2 horse like Medallist.

IMHO, in order to really prove greatness, it is not enough to run fast against weak and flawed opponents or with easy trips. You have to do it repeatedly against multiple Grade 1 horses. You have to overcome adversity, bad trips etc...

IMHO, at best, GZ showed that potential, but he proved very little and will undoubtedly be overrated because of a few fast figures against weak opposition.