I see your point for sure, 1 race does not a superhorse make..Horses freak all the time. That said, 3 year old horse is still a baby in my book, they all mature and plateau at different points. Look at Mohaymen, super 2 year old, great early 3 year old, seems to have hit the ceiling. That said, they will turn him out, bring him back as a 4 year old and see what happens. Baffert has the best stock in the game, not really surprising that he could have a late developing 3 year old who he elects to take his time with, he has had quite a few before. If owner's don't like it, he will simply say take your horse onto another trainer. A less accomplished trainer might feel the pressure to accelerate the horses training.. Why rush a 3 year old to the triple crown, when you already have 3-4 already there every year. Look at the run he had with Bayern who peaked late in his 3 year old season, went down hill after that. Other horses such Wise Dan, California Chrome were are twice the race horse at 5 that we was at 3. Zenyatta was a late runner as well. People put too much emphasis on the Classics which like I said, IMO 3 year olds are still babies. Ages 4-7 are the prime years, IMO. Definitely 4-6. 7 maybe. Winner of the ballerina is a 5 year old mare just coming into her own.
Something smelling in the game is always a concern for sure, I get that
