alm Wrote:
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> We've covered a lot of this ground on previous
> posts, but it is good to see the more technical
> stuff getting posted now.
>
> In response to one query: horses break down front
> and back. I have had both things happen.
>
> It is important to understand that condylar
> fractures mostly come from the repeated pounding
> of the condyle, which flattens the bone. Once it
> starts to flatten it tears through the soft
> tissue, which lines the joint. That's when
> fracturing begins.
>
> Many trainers do not recognize the difference
> between gimpiness that is caused by this as
> opposed to gimpiness from other causes, such as
> shin problems. They know a horse can grow through
> shin problems so they continue training. This is
> deadly when the cause is in the condyle.
>
> If you believe there is no way I can know more
> about this than most trainers, you don't know many
> trainers. Even good ones are ill informed on some
> issues such as this.
>
> As I said before, it is likely Barbaro fractured
> his condylar bone first, which brought on a
> misstep and fracturing of the other bones in
> subsequent strides. It is also likely he was
> showing some gimpiness in his training, which
> would explain his light racing schedule and
> relatively light workout schedule. If you pop
> enough pain killers into a horse he will race
> without showing the problem and if you are lucky
> you can get him through a light racing schedule,
> but you would be pressing your luck.
>
> They pressed it.

Alm, became convinced you are speaking from an experienced perspective. Without your background, others have approached this issue trying to deduce the truth. What you have said should have enabled those using deduction to have their thinking coalesce.

How many Derby winners have come unglued in their next start?

How many Derby winners came in on such a heavily spaced racing schedule?

How many Derby winners began their careers on Turf?

This was a horse with issues. No doubt whatsoever about it. No one is going to talk now, if ever.

This won't go over well, but some fear Barbaro due to the media and the media sob stories, may have an inside track on 3YO champion. If he does win that honor, that will encourage the unknowledgeable to consider him an even more desirous Stallion Prospect. The reality is that this horse is the WORST stallion prospect to come along in a decade. He is already highly regarded but he is a genetic minefield upon OUCH. He is time bomb upon infirmity. There is no way this horse should be allowed to breed. Hopefully the great horse god in the sky will intervene to protect future runners. Or Sweetnorthernsaint and Sinister Minister get back quick and win out to clear the heads of the media voters.