Look no further than Saturday’s G1 Alabama as a prime example of why filly and mare racing is superior this year, as Proud Spell and Music Note provided a battle royal down the stretch. Gutsy Proud Spell prevailed by a head.
Contrarians will argue the final time (2:04.08) was slow, but I firmly believe that flat-out blazing speed isn’t the be-all end-all of horse racing (gasp!). Some of the very best races are masterful demonstrations of pacing and tactical speed. After all, the point isn’t how fast you get over the line, but that you are the first one over.
With the win, Proud Spell takes a dominant lead in the TBA 3-year-old filly standings. In fact, all five top fillies—Proud Spell, Indian Blessing, Golden Doc A, Little Belle, and Music Note—have earned more points via graded stakes performances than all (even Curlin) in the Older Horse category, all but Einstein in the male Turf category, and all but Big Brown in the 3-year-old Colt category. Enough said.
I agree with you about speed, Val, and thought the same thing as I watched the times yesterday--critics will crush this race for the lack of pace. But a well-run, tactically-effective race beats blazing speed in my mind every time. More interesting to watch, too.
ReplyDeleteAs Papa Backstretch says "time only matters if you're in prison".
ReplyDeleteThey ran the final quarter in a respectable :25.09 and both earned a career-top BSF. No complaints about the final time from this fan.
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