Postby KAL » Sun Apr 24, 2005 9:38 pm
Witness is incredible and may very well be the best horse in training at this moment. However, the fields, while decent, have been suspect. Electronic Unicorn has a ton of back-class and was a monster in his day, but he clearly isn't quite the same now as he was then (he is 9 after all). I also agree that Electronic Unicorn is fabulously bred... but then I also own a fairly close relative.
For those who also stayed the course last night and listened to Silent Witness' owners remarks, it was obvious that he even believes horses outside HK need to be defeated. The interview with "Archie" may have been the most delightful and refreshing parts of the entire program... maybe among the best uttered by any owner, trainer, or racing official for years. While we are blessed with the ability to watch such an animal, the racing community is lucky this horse is owned by this gentleman.
I think we will see more of Silent Witness, as long as the racing gods are kind to him and us. I can also say that despite my deep-rooted national pride and pride in our bloodstock, I will be rooting for Silent Witness when he does take on outside challengers, including the best of North America.
It must be noted that the track announcer was way, way, way over the top with his comments concerning both horse and win. The replays were much more enjoyable because he was muted.
One thing which I find very, very interesting about Silent Witness is that he is rather "unremarkable" in size and build. He appears to be quite normal in size and isn't a super-thick horse, nor is he extremely muscled or quarter-horsey. He does appear to be extremely well-balanced and athletic. It would be interesting to be able to compare his stride distance and his turn-of-foot compared to other historic greats.
I think someone (Mahubah?) has suggested prior that perfection may be found in the average, not the deviation from the average. Silent Witness may be living proof of this. If so, it may not be a stretch to think his best distance may actually be 8f (1600m). I guess I am not alone in wishing to see this theory tested... and hopefully proven.
No matter, he is a beautiful, remarkable athlete and an athlete, unlike so very many human and equine, worthy of a great many superlatives (but, perhaps, not as many as the race-caller lauded upon him).
On a last note... while I would like to see Silent Witness take on our best, which, I suppose, is Ghostzapper... I would have really, really liked to have seen him against Candy Ride at a flat 8f... on dirt or turf.
Rascal
