I suggest Thoro-Graph add another category to their trainer stats when applicable: > 9 furlongs, for races run at distances greater than a mile and an eighth.
In long distance races like the Kentucky Derby, a trainer\'s demonstrated ability to train long distance winners is all-important. Especially in this \"Dosage is Dead\" era of racing we\'re in. Not many trainers enter, let alone win, at long distances. It takes a special talent to get it done. What 2011 Kentucky Derby trainers win, or even train runners for, races at a mile and a quarter or longer? William Fires (with ARCHARCHARCH)? Certainly not. Kathy Ritvo (with MUCHO MACHO MAN)? No. Kelly Breen (with PANTS ON FIRE), former assistant to sprint specialist Ben Perkins? No. How \'bout Graham Motion (with ANIMAL KINGDOM)? Yes.
That stat would better your product.
John T Chance
I\'m guessing the data for races greater than 1 1/8 would be pretty limited for most trainers.
Good Luck,
Joe B.
You may be able to get this info from DRF Formulator PPs.
I wouldn\'t necessarily dismiss Kathy Ritvo and Kelly Breen as trainers that can\'t get a horse to run a 10f. When you get past 9f it\'s more about the horse and pedigree as to whether or not he or she wants to go that far than it is about the trainer IMO.
And it would be good to know which of those trainers had no experience with preparing a horse to 9+ furlongs.