Slaves to style

[Tim Y]

I am convinced after looking at running styles over the years that the biggest difference between what we designate as the "class" horse and all the rest is a simple ability to ADAPT to various paces structures rather than a simple reactive move against it.

There seems to be a widely held and completely erroneous concept that a horse is somewhat like a racing car: whenever the "gas peddle" is pushed, the horse moves accordingly. Nothing could be further from the truth as upwards of 85% of horses are stuck in a relatively narrow range of running abilities at a prescribed distance: earlies can be early/pressers but unless they are alone on the lead, their style is almost cast in stone.

The better stock, on the other hand, can adapt to almost any pace scenario their own their way. The epitome of that aptitude was embodied in Forego who could sprint with the best of them and then two weeks later go 10 furlongs with another groups of good ones, adapting to what the field gave him.

As the youngsters come into the Derby it is wise to consider just which ones can adapt to run 10 furlongs ina sustained/presser style carrying a weight many will never tote again. These are still relatively babies and many will to be able to adapt.