1000 Guineas

I was wondering MD, if the 10% is a fact, on what evidence is the fact based upon?

Indeed, even if it is only a theory, on what evidence is the theory supported?

I would suggest that more than 10% of a horse’s ‘potential’ ability (which I guess is what you meant MD ) is determined by it’s genetic background. My basis for supposing that is that certain horses could breed forever and never produce offspring capable of running to a rating of >125, while Sadlers Wells, for example, could produce such a trait on a, relatively, regular basis.

Yes, but more than 10% of his ‘potential ability (NOT his actual ability which will, by default, always be measured by actual performance) was evident from her pedigree. That’s why someone paid AU$2,000,000 for him.

A horses ‘potential’ ability is pre-determined by it’s genetic code. Trouble is we don’t know the make up of the genetic code. The genetic soup of the individual you mention may have been assembled in a way which conferred a poor potential to run fast.

Of course, environmental conditions have a large bearing on teh actual perfomrance (doe sthe horse have any injuries, what’s it fed on, is it trained by someone who can understand it’s requirements and can extract the best from it, etc).

The fact remains though that it’ll never run faster than it’s genetic make up determines it is ‘potentially’ capable of.

Looked at like that, the genetic code pre-determines 100% of the horses potential. The ‘realisation’ of that potential is outwith the genetic influence I agree.

Proviso not among the entries. There is a supplementary stage but with Abdullah having other options, notably Sense of Joy and arguably Visit, looks like she’s more likely to stay at home.

Are the entries published anywhere that you know of DJ?

"And it maybe that that 10% sways depending on what the potential is in the pedigree."

Indeed MD.