Profile of Triple Crown Contender, The Great War

CONCLUSION

The Great War has proven to be a versatile colt that can acquit himself well on turf, polytrack and dirt.  His pedigree suggests that he is slightly more suited for running on the dirt which will no doubt serve him well if he finds himself running the first Saturday in May.  Stamina shouldn’t be an issue for him, but there are still some question marks as to just how far he truly wants to go.  He has shown that shipping doesn’t bother him which should also help his cause.

The bottom line is that since The Great War was purchased, he has promised a lot but has rarely delivered.  Perhaps things will change in his three year old campaign.  His talent has never been in question but there are concerns as to whether he will improve with added ground or if he will want to go further than 1 1/16 miles. It’s not that he can’t do it, but he will need to prove he can do it now before I will have confidence in him winning at a distance over horses with better distance pedigrees.

Wesley Ward is unquestioned when it comes to getting speed out of his horses, but will he be able to get this colt with a questionable 1 1/4 mile pedigree to carry that speed on Derby day??  Only time will tell.  I believe in his talents as a race horse, but I am cautious about his chances of winning the Kentucky Derby.

*Authors Note:  Big thanks to my friend from across the pond, Tom Statham, for his invaluable insight into the European racing scene.