This is some interesting stuff 11B.. Just wondering do you know how the X-Factor has fared in past Derby's??
Goodfella,
Here are some interesting points................
X-Factor & Handicapping: So how does the X-Factor work to the handicapper's advantage? Nothing is ever mentioned regarding large-hearts and handicapping because it would be impossible to include the info in the past performances. Not every good racehorse carries a large heart. Certain Thoroughbred families carry the large heart gene. Review the pedigrees and racing backgrounds of the contender's families. Also, look for a leaf-like “curly” appearance to the ears. A horse doesn't need to be a statuesque 17 hands high to carry the large heart. Physical size doesn't matter. War Admiral was a small horse, but he carried the double X factor from his sire and dam.
Kentucky Derby Contenders: That brings us to the Kentucky Derby. How many winners have carried the large heart? Reviewing the pedigree charts back to 1970, it seems that the the trend comes and goes. Following are the years that, according to their pedigree charts, horses with the X-Factor won the Kentucky Derby. Note that there is no more than three years between winners who may carry the X-Factor gene.
1973 – 1975 – yes ..........1992 - no
1976 – no
.......................1993 – 2000 - yes
1977 – 1981 – yes......... 2001-2003 – no
1982 – 1983 – no
............2004 - yes
1984 – yes ....................2005 – 2007 - no
1985 – 1986 – no............
2008 – yes
1987 – yes ....................2009 - no
1988 – 1989 – no
............2010 - yes
1990 – 1991 – yes......... 2011 – 2012 – no
....................................
2013 - yes
Keep in mind that heart size alone doesn't guarantee a stakes winner. A horses biomechanics - gait, stride length, conformation, power, health and training all play a part in their ability.
However, if the large-hearted horse has these other factors in their favor, there's a strong chance that they'll be a tough customer in their races.
