I am so proud of Defining Purpose’s 3rd place finish in the Alabama Stakes. One thing is for sure, Defining Purpose always engages and puts herself in the game and is ready for the challenge. She and jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. really work well together. I have seen such a big difference in Defining Purpose since the Kentucky Oaks. She’s grown more mature and much stronger than she was earlier this year. And it’s been such a joy to watch her develop.
I was not able to travel to Saratoga to watch the race in person, but it was nice to have family and friends gather to cheer her on. Leading up to the race, I heard commentators and handicappers mention several times how Cross Traffic hadn’t produced a horse to go the mile and a quarter distance. While Defining Purpose and Sabra Tuff didn’t win, they both showed well for the stallion. I think often times, handicappers get caught up at looking only at the parents of an individual horse. Grandparents and great grandparents are in the gene pool as well. That’s genetics for you- you never know what you’re going to get!
I am reminded of a conversation I had with a vet several years ago. He said, “Colette, genetics is not an exact science, to which I replied, yes, but it is a science!” While we don’t know exactly how certain genes will present in a particular horse, I believe matching physicals is a start. While Defining Purpose is the product of two sprinter -milers, the great grandparents on both dam and sire lines won easily at classic distances. It’s the old saying, never judge a book by its cover!
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