The Top 100 Racehorses

The Blood-Horse Interactive (www.bloodhorse.com) has selected the "Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century." No. 1, according to the panel of three racing writers, two track executives and two stewards, is Man o'War.

Some of my handicapping buddies disagree. The majority of an unscientific poll likes No. 2 Secretariat on top. Dr. Fager got a vote. So did my favorite, Citation. All are in the panel's first half-dozen.

However, I prefer not to go with the Best of the Best, but with the Horses of the Decade except in one instance. Since you have to dip down to No. 94 Artful to find a thoroughbred who ran in the first decade, I'm willing to bestow on Man o'War the best of the century's first 25 years.

For the 1930s, No. 13 War Admiral, a Triple Crown winner sired by Big Red, is my selection. In the 1940s, No. 3 Citation not only won the Triple Crown but started his North American record-winning streak of 19 that stood for nearly 50 years - and he beat older horses when a 3-year-old.

In the 1950s, and into the '60s, No. 4 Kelso was a racing machine who more races than any in the top 13. In the 1960s, No. 6 Dr. Fager captured more graded stakes carrying 130 pounds or more.

The 1970s was the most competitive decade and probably produced the most champions - five of Blood-Horse's top 13. But I have to give it to Secretariat over such heavy hitters as No. 8 Forego, No. 9 Seattle Slew, No. 10 Spectacular Bid and No. 12 Affirmed.

For the 1980s, you have to go down to No. 31 Sunday Silence. That's why I believe the panel should have included Personal Ensign. She made an impact in that decade. She was 13 for 13 and defeated Winning Colors, the last female to win the Kentucky Derby, in the Breeders' Cup Distaff.

In the 1990s, it might be No. 18 Cigar by a nose over No. 31 Skip Away because he tied Citation's winning streak and earned the most money.

One horse I don't believe should be included is No. 63 Silver Charm, the list's only active racer. He's a darn good horse but hasn't won a Grade 1 stakes in this country since the '97 Preakness.

Go To Page: 1