Pedigree Query

Why is it so difficult to win the roses in wire to wire fashion? Since 1976 there have been only 5 wire to wire winners: Winning Colors in 1988, Go For Gin in the slop in 1994, and War Emblem in 2002, Spend a Buck in 1985, Bold Forbes 1976. So thats 5 wire types in the last 37 years or 13.5%. It is certainly difficult to go wire to wire in the Derby.

Probably a combination of distance and jockey maneuvering. It's a classic. Most wire to wire wins involve a horse getting away in front by several lengths and the opposing jockeys don't think the leader will last. Every once in a while a horse pops up that can last, especially if on the front end. They can get pretty brave up there, if they are coasting along within themselves.

Take a look at cycling for example, right now in the Olympics there are 4 man cycling teams going 4kms, the guy sliptreaming behind the first 3 riders is using 30% less energy than the guy leading, most of the energy expelled is used pushing air away from the body.

Same applies to horses when a horse is sitting behind another horse its easier for them.