Article on new points system

Mac · Postby **Mac** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 10:09 am

Now it seems that B. Wayne Hughes who owns Beholder has made some comments "since they don't let fillies in anymore" with regard to Beholder in the Kentucky Derby or something similar to that. This was a quote from a stallion ad today in TDN for Henny Hughes. I can't help but think that this issue is on the minds of current owners of top fillies based on B. Wayne's comment.

dublino · Postby **dublino** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 10:47 am

Why should fillys be let in that's what the Oaks is for.

Also geldings should also be banned.

The Derby is supposed to define and shape the breed.

ides of ice · Postby **ides of ice** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 11:58 am

dublino wrote:Why should fillys be let in that's what the Oaks is for.

Also geldings should also be banned.

The Derby is supposed to define and shape the breed.

If only colts get to race then how does that shape the breed? Fillies from a good family line can be just as important. And a gelding can contribute via his sire/dam line.

Mac · Postby **Mac** » Thu Apr 11, 2013 6:10 pm

totally agree with you Ides Of Ice. there's a fair compromise in here somewhere. This isn't impossible to figure out. Hopefully trainers and owners will weigh in on this. A really good filly shouldn't leapfrog over equally good colts, but she definitely deserves a shot if she's really special in my humble opinon.

Mac · Postby **Mac** » Tue Apr 16, 2013 1:24 pm

for what its worth here is one letter to the editor on subject of how the qualifying system might need to be re-looked at.

http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/re ... 0416_1.pdf

pedigreeann · Postby **pedigreeann** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 5:29 pm

The only fillies to win the Kentucky Derby all raced decently against males in previous races. Some fillies who beat colts in prep races (Silver Spoon, Althea, Evita Argentina) didn't run as well or didn't start. Such top fillies as Excellent Meeting and Cupecoy's Joy didn't place, despite excellent records against fillies. The only filly who hit the board in the Derby without previously running against colts died.

The lesson being taken is this - if you want your filly to run well in the Kentucky Derby, the safe way is to test them in open company beforehand.