We discussed an interesting question about the 3 year old season and how we might rate them.  I have always felt that the racing in the early part of the season really takes it’s toll on the young horses — so I am inclined to rate the prep racing and the triple crown racing a bit higher than the remainder of the season — at least so far as 3 year olds are concerned.   Sometimes you see a nice 3 year old – like Will Take Charge — who got very good at the back end of the season, but he also did plenty of good racing early in the season.  While he was much better at the back half of the season, I rate this type of form even higher than being just good in one side of the season or the other…

The question is then put up against California Chrome and his arch rival for 3 year old champion — Shared Belief.  Well now, CC has finally run well in both parts of the season, so without regard to where Shared Belief finished, I would have to rate CC as the obvious 3 year old Champion…