Hard Spun

[Shammy Davis]

During a recent TVG interview, Steve Asmussen commented that this year's crop of 3 year olds was one of the finest he had seen in many years. It has really been a competitive year, so I tend to agree. HARDSPUN has a solid pedigree. He has been competitive throughout the year. No one should be surprised if he is a success at stud. Besides, Rick Porter and HARDSPUN's connections have invested a great deal in the business throughout the years. I am excited they will reap the rewards.

[MidwestTrainer]

I wonder how much Millions was added to his sales price for that Grade 1 win?????..... Lots of people were criticizing the trainers move but little did they know that he thought this was the best way to try to get that added incentive....He certainly did what they requested.

15

[geowarrior]

I think that even for stud potential it would make more sense for the connections to aim at the Sprint. After all, what horse has ever come 2nd in the Derby, 3rd in the Preakness, 4th in the Belmont and then won the Sprint in the same year? I think Hard Spun would be more unique as a stallion prospect with that under his belt than a third or fourth in the Classic.

[Danzig]

They need to do right by him and run him where he belongs. If he were my horse, I'd freshen him up for the BC Mile and finish his career in the Metropolitan. He has the versatility and speed to get both and such would warrant a higher stud fee.

[horsenuts]

I think that even for stud potential it would make more sense for the connections to aim at the Sprint. After all, what horse has ever come 2nd in the Derby, 3rd in the Preakness, 4th in the Belmont and then won the Sprint in the same year? I think Hard Spun would be more unique as a stallion prospect with that under his belt than a third or fourth in the Classic.

Hard Spun has been remarkable after yesterday's win and I agree that the BCS is the place to run him. He wins the sprint and he stands for $50,000 next year.... runs a credible race and he's at $30,000. He reminds me a bit of Gulch a Classic contender who dropped back to sprinting and won the BCS. Precisionist was another who could sprint like a QH and run classic distances as well.

[summerhorse]

I know the horse can get a mile and quarter but can he WIN against the very best in a big field? I suspect not unless half the best drop out by then (possible). I would personally keep him sprinting and try to get an Eclipse award with him.

[geowarrior]

summerhorse do you think he could win an Eclipse at this late date? I don't think many people have him as best 3 yo and even if he won the BC Sprint I'm not sure that he'd be the best sprinter of the year in the eyes of many.

[jagger]

I think the Sprint is a little too short for him. He won against a fairly weak field. The Breeders Cup field will not be so kind. I think he is better, as Danzig mentioned above, for the mile. This will also increase his versatility.

[Maven]

I think the Sprint is a little too short for him. He won against a fairly weak field. The Breeders Cup field will not be so kind. I think he is better, as Danzig mentioned above, for the mile. This will also increase his versatility.

But then you're running him on a surface he's never performed on before and against the best Euro milers. Also, a win on the turf isn't going to enhance his stud prospects a whole lot more to US breeders.

I think he has a better shot gunning in the sprint and a second in the sprint is worth as much as a win in the mile when we're talking US stud market with a horse of his credentials.

[winds]

I for one would breed to Hard Spun, and it would be an added plus if he won on the turf. I think American breeders are starting to look for a more versatile racehorse. I'd love to have a horse where I could pick any distance and any surface and know he/she will perform and pick up a check if not win. That's what I look for.

When I go to sell a foal with that type of pedigree, I'm not eliminating any buyer now am I?

winds

[Maven]

But as an owner, are you willing to sacrifice a possible Eclipse award (champion sprinter) by trying him against better and more seasoned competition on a surface he's never run on?

He's a son of Danzig. The international buyers will have him on their radar regardless of a turf performance or not.

"Wanting" a horse to run on the turf doesn't mean it's the best option for him.

[winds]

Isn't there a race they can test him on coming up that would fit before the BC? If so, I might try him there, they already have two options of where to go with him in the BC, why not 3?

Just an idea. Not that I have any influence on what they plan to do with him.

winds

[Maven]

I'm sure they could find something but it wouldn't be much of a padding on stud resume, especially if he were to lose the mile. Let's remember the Euro's dominate this race and for good reason. In my opinion, it would be throwing him to the wolves without much necessity.

[pfrsue]

I'm sure they could find something but it wouldn't be much of a padding on stud resume, especially if he were to lose the mile. Let's remember the Euro's dominate this race and for good reason. In my opinion, it would be throwing him to the wolves without much necessity.

And yet, would it be better or worse than running him in the Classic, which is what they seem to be planning on?

[Maven]

I think it's foolish to run him in the Classic... ALMOST as foolish as running him in the mile.

In the Classic, it's ALL about perceived stud value. A good showing (a close 1-2-3) raises his fee and puts him in good contention at stud. BUT, i'm wondering if Darley would "sweeten the pot" of the deal if Tafel chose not to run against Street Sense in the Classic, and opt for the Sprint?

Of course both horses have to make it to the BC and in this sport, as well all know, tomorrow is certainly not guaranteed.