Secretariat's Belmont

[Saratoga_Mike]

Originally Posted by 46zilzal

I am sure the pundits of the 20's said the same thing about Fair Play's best son

Doubt it, Hirsch hadn't made the statement yet.

[PaceAdvantage]

http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/s...957#post970957

[CBedo]

Originally Posted by cj

23 3/5, 22 3/5, 23 3/5, 24 2/5, 24 4/5, 25

Equally incredible (at least to me) were his splits in the Derby with each successive time faster than the last.

25 1/5, :24, :23 4/5, :23 2/5 and :23

[classhandicapper]

Originally Posted by CBedo

Equally incredible (at least to me) were his splits in the Derby with each successive time faster than the last.

25 1/5, :24, :23 4/5, :23 2/5 and :23

Those Derby splits are totally insane regardless of the speed of the track.

I wish I was a serious handicapper when Secretariat was running. Even though I saw his races on TV with my dad, I had zero appreciation for what I was witnessing at the time. I didn't really fall in love with the sport until 1975/76. At least I have a full appreciation of Ruffian, Slew, Bid, Affirmed/Alydar, Forego etc...

[born2ride]

Originally Posted by eastie

look at the extension of his legs. it's almost impossible to extend that far. When I see that picture it makes me think of Go For Wand (RIP) who wanted it so bad and tried so hard that she extended too far. Secretariat had that great straight extension. moving like a tremendous machine was so Totally accurate. That Marlboro Cup win against Riva Ridge was awesome.

Exactly! The photo shows the angle between both extended legs is 110 degrees, by far and away the largest angle ever measured. This is why he had a large stride. Add in his huge heart, balanced musculature build with a powerful hind end and you have, literally, a machine.

[PhantomOnTour]

So, what we are all trying to say in this thread is (and correct me if I'm wrong)......








He was completely and totally awesome!!