Dr. Fager Is Key Influence in Top Forestry Progeny

re: Dr. Fager Is Key Influence in Top Forestry Progeny

The Deacon — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 06:44:19 GMT

John from Seattle:

The knock on Dr. Fager was that most folks think he was just a miler. Those folks haven't done their homework. In his last race, the United Nations handicap which was on the turf, he beat the legendary turf champion Fort Marcy, and Advocator who was pretty darn good in his own right. That race was run at 1 3/16.

He won races up to 1 1/4 and carried a ridiclous 136 lbs. Only 3 horses ever finished in front of the great Doctor, Damascus, Buckpasser and Successor (champion 2 year old) at age 2.

Citation for example never won won a race carrying 130 lbs, neither did Secretariat. Dr. Fager carried 130 lbs and more pretty much every race at age 4. His world revord for a mile was 132.1 and he carried 134 lbs that day eased up. He won the Jersey Derby by over 7 lengths and was disqualified for some bogus interference on the backstetch. Argueably the most versatile American race horse ever.

Gamely, Rising Market were no slouches. Think about this, in most of Doc's races other trainers would put a "rabbit" in the race to try and run the Doc to the ground. Frank Whitely did this more then once when he ran against the great Damascus, who in my mind is one of the 10 greatest horses ever.

I do appreciate your kind words, it is nice to see someone appreciate this incredible animal as much as I do. The Doc is an immortal in my eyes. Imagine these horses today trying to race against him.........

re: Dr. Fager Is Key Influence in Top Forestry Progeny

John from Seattle — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:43:29 GMT

Deacon,

I agree with you regarding Dr. Fager. I remember that race at Hollypark where he ran past Gamely, Rising Market and others like they were standing still.

But for as for "The Best" of the West - I'm sorry, but these horses that Dr. Fager blew past were good to very good, but definitely not great. And not legendary.

Yes, I believe Dr. Fager was the greatest and fastest ever. That is, up to a mile.

The 'Good Doctor' was something else wasn't he.

He will always be part of perhaps American's greatest era of horseracing legends (Dr. Fager, Buckpasser and Damascus).

re: Dr. Fager Is Key Influence in Top Forestry Progeny

gen.duke — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:18:29 GMT

GREAT AETICLE!!!WHEN TALKING ABOUT TRUE SPEED YOU CANT BEAT DR.FAGER

re: Dr. Fager Is Key Influence in Top Forestry Progeny

JayFan101 — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 02:30:42 GMT

Dr Fager is definitely one of my all time top 5 favorites. Though he came way before my time, I find it almost as thrilling watching the replays of his races. I have a thing for speedy horses and Dr Fager was just brilliant.

I love Shackleford too. He's my pick anywhere he goes, unless he's going to happen upon Jaycito. I love the speed in Shackleford's pedigree, and the speed in Shackleford himself. That was partly what endeared Shackleford to me as a fan, as well as his heart, courage, and handsome chestnut coat and blaze.

I'm always interested in horses decided from the Doctor. Great article.

re: Dr. Fager Is Key Influence in Top Forestry Progeny

The Deacon — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 02:04:30 GMT

Love this article, Dr. Fager is argueably the greatest American race horse to ever look through a bridle. Watched him win the Californian at Hollywood Park in 1968, demolishing the best in the west. A horse that could carry weight, race at just about any distance and also win on the turf.

I still don't thing the Doc gets enough recognition as being one of the best but the true horsemen, and those on the back stretch know how good he was......

Thanks for sharing...........