Long ago, the method was to run horses into shape. The last few years have had a reversal in mindset about this method.  Things are taking a different course.

Fusaichi Pegasus made four starts as a three-year-old before wearing the roses. Since that time, many have changed their mind about old time theories.

Here are some examples:

2000 –Fu Peg ran 4 times and went 3 weeks into the Derby.

2001 – Monarchos ran 4 times before going three weeks in the Louisville.

2002 – War Emblem ran 4 times before going on a 3 week rest.

2003 –Funny Cide 3 times, and ran in the Wood before taking 3 weeks going to the Derby.

2004 – Smarty Jones – 4 times, and then rested for three weeks before getting the Derby.

2005 – Giacomo – 3 times, and 4 weeks off before scoring in the Derby.

2006 – Barbaro – 3 times, and off for 5 weeks going to Louisville.

2007 – Street Sense – 2 times, and then going 3 weeks off the poly into the Derby.

2008 – Big Brown – 2 times, and then goes on vacation for 5 weeks.

2009 – Mine That Bird – 2 times, and gets 5 weeks to rest.

Are you seeing a method? A new way? The old ways thrown out the door? Yep, you bet ….

Thing have changed. Distances, date changes, surface creations, and graded purse amounts. Add in all the factors, and you are seeing a new day. The rules have changed, and we now have to take this into account as we are on the Derby Trail.