my opinion hands down bobby frankel. frankel was able to do it every which way from cheap claimers to million dollar yearlings. when the game changed with van berg and later lucas operating stables all over the country frankel was able to adapt to perfection. originally building an old school stable of claimers on the so ca circut some of which were able to become stakes winners which at the time was unheard of. now he is able to choose a barn full of royally bred stock with owners waiting in line to fill up the barns.
too bad the vets have as much influence as the trainers these days. I was out to dinner at Saratoga a few years ago and a prominent NY trainer was out celebrating the meet w/ about 20 guys from his barn. He introduces the vet and everyone started chanting "MVP MVP"
Would have to add my two cents for both Stephens and Whittingham as well. Stephens for the consecutive Belmont wins and Whittingham for his incredible record in Grade I races. Frankel, Baffert, Lukas are all excellent as well, but have work still to do to reach the stature of the first two.
Rob:
Baffert caught a great deal of attention when he began a series of winning Grade I races, particularly Triple Crown races, which are seen by many. Also, the manner in which he prepared his horses caught notice as he never pushed his horses until they were fit and ready, unlike Lucas who was known to run some of his horses into the ground. Also, he is somewhat charismatic with the media which made for good press and helped his image. That being said, Bobby Frankel has now surpassed him as the top trainer of the Grade I races although some of the key races in the Triple Crown and Breeder's Cup have eluded him. It's only a matter of time for Bobby.
Baffert caught a great deal of attention when he began a series of winning Grade I races, particularly Triple Crown races, which are seen by many. Also, the manner in which he prepared his horses caught notice as he never pushed his horses until they were fit and ready, unlike Lucas who was known to run some of his horses into the ground. Also, he is somewhat charismatic with the media which made for good press and helped his image. That being said, Bobby Frankel has now surpassed him as the top trainer of the Grade I races although some of the key races in the Triple Crown and Breeder's Cup have eluded him. It's only a matter of time for Bobby.
lucas was a promoter a great pr guy. bobbie frankel is a horseman.
whittingham is old school had great horses but rarely would ship from home base.
woody stephens and charlie whittingham the lastfew years were progra trainers only as the barn were run by assistants charlies was rodney rash and stephens i have no idea who ran his barn when his health was going downhill
lets not forget trainers like laz barrera, angel penna, king leatherburry, jack van berg, marion van berg, lucien lauren (secreteriat) gary jones etc but frankel is the king of kings.
whittingham is old school had great horses but rarely would ship from home base.
woody stephens and charlie whittingham the lastfew years were progra trainers only as the barn were run by assistants charlies was rodney rash and stephens i have no idea who ran his barn when his health was going downhill
lets not forget trainers like laz barrera, angel penna, king leatherburry, jack van berg, marion van berg, lucien lauren (secreteriat) gary jones etc but frankel is the king of kings.
