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Originally Posted by Balletto
I think there's a chance of a lot to lose, stud fee wise if the run him next year. But, with that said, I think they owe it to the horse to give him one more year to prove his mettle.
I've never been a fan of his but let me go on record to say that he proved a lot to me yesterday, talent-wise. He's a VERY good 3 yo... over-hyped and overrated? Yes, at this time. Given another year, he may prove himself a serious contender for one of the best..
I'd also like to point out that people are jumping on the jock for making his move too early. I honestly believe the connections wanted a champion and awe inspiring performance. I think they thought there would be a lot of day light between him and the field... my guess is... the race was executed just as it was planned... but they didnt count on Bernardini not being the best horse in the field.
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I don't see there being much to lose by running Bernardini next year because, if he does run, he will be even better than he was this year. I would expect him to put up terrific performances, win or lose. He'll get fine broodmares no matter what - he's a spectacular speciman, beautifully bred and extraordinarily talented -I'm not worried about that, even if at this point Bernardini couldn't command what he would have had he won yesterday. I think the Sheikh's reputation is on the line, in a way. He prides himself on being a sportsman and that image would be shattered forever if Bernardini is retired. I don't know that he cares about that, though. I'm sure he loves this horse and is very proud of him -then he should want to see Bernardini fulfill his potential on the track. He's got years to be a sire, only a short while to be a racehorse.