Interesting discussion about Spectacular Bid as a “great Horse”.   I wouldn’t argue against but I wouldn’t be to likely to argue for either.  I have one standard that is part of the “great standard” and that includes winning Stakes races at 1 1/2 mile.  Specatcular Bid took two shots at it, and was beaten twice as a 3 year old.  First by Coastal in the Belmont and late on in the same year by Affirmed.  It’s worth noting that Affirmed was a 4 year old, but also carried more weight…  Greatness is not an opinion, it’s earned by succeeding at certain milestones…  Spectacular Bid was an amazing horse, and was nearly unbeatable at distances up to 1 1/4 mile.  But if he faced Seattle Slew or Affirmed, I doubt he would have gotten the win at nearly any distance.  It is true that Spectacular Bid did improve again as a 4 year old and if he would be credited as “great” then it would have to be for all the track records he set in So. Cal as a 4 year old…  But still, he is missing the one credential…