If FC's winning the TC this year does nothing for the breed, it won't be because he is a speedy horse, but only because he is gelded.

His bloodlines are far more solid than they appear at first glance.

His sire may be one of the next great ones...this was predicted before his foals started racing, and he has performed even better than some experts thought that he would. (remember, Storm Cat started out as an overlooked stallion)

On the dam's side are a lot of stamina influences that don't meet the eye at first glance...you have to think about them, who they were, what they did, and what sort of offspring they have had.

A couple of us went over this two weeks ago, following the Derby and it is clear that FC has far more stamina in his background than Empire Maker, although EM is mentioned over and over again in the press as being the logical horse to win the Belmont.

We will see about that.

In any case, FC seems to be a speedy horse in the mold of Affirmed, not War Emblem or Spend A Buck, which is what you seemed to be saying in your post.

His switching leads is a questionable thing, however, since it can indicate some sort of unsoundness. But I am reminded of the comment of the trainer who broke a filly for me years ago. He said "she wings, but she wings fast."

FC may or may not have a problem, but it is a fast problem.