Steven Davidowitz, one of the most respected racing writers in the country, has covered the sports most prestigious events for the Racing Times, Daily Newspapers and Sport Magazine. He has picked a World record 22 winners in a row and twice won the World series of handicapping. He has been an on track handicapper since 1961 and has seen and handicapped every great American horse since then.
Davidowitz wrote this about Ruffian:
“Ruffian`s striding action was incredibly powerful and remarkably smooth, resembling the top human sprinter, Valery Borzov, the Russian who won the gold medal in the 100 meter dash at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Perfect rhythm. Maximum efficiency. Ruffian just came out of the gate running and never stopped, never missed a beat. Indeed at six furlongs, I am convinced she could have beaten any horse that ever lived including Secretariat.
Ruffian scored by 15 lenghts in her first start May 22, 1974 equalling the track record at Belmont Park and was eased through the stretch. 1:03 at 5 1/2 fl. Ruffian has the fastest winning Beyer for any 2 year old in history.
Ruffian is the only two year old in history to equal a track record as early as May.
Regret is the only other two year old to equal a track record in its first start. On August 8, 1914 Regret won the Saratoga Special by one length at 6 fl in track record time of 1:11 3/5
Colin who set two track records at 2 years old and equalled two others
set a 5 fl track record June 1, 1907 at Belmont Pk in the National Satllion race but his Beyers are a bit slower than both Ruffian and Regret
