Harness: Dilution the enemy of finding the perfect equine specimen

When perfection is diluted by the introduction of another set of circumstances, such as a "mate" or as in the equine sense a "stallion" or "mare", the obvious result is imperfection. This becomes the logical explanation as to why that "perfect" individual, either man or beast, is unlikely to be replicated in the next subsequent generation.

We saw that in the case of Secretariat and Bret Hanover, both the epitome of where their respective breeds could be at the time and neither could quite reproduce their individual perfection, although both were solid in succeeding generations.

Of course cloning would produce the exact circumstances that rendered the first individual as "perfect", but we're not there yet scientifically. Thus we can only examine what happens when another set of genetics is added via reproduction. As we've seen, the end result tends to be imperfect, though in some cases it may approximate the initial perfect one.

This is why so few superstar athletes produce offspring equal to if not superior to their fabled "superstar" persona, as the additional genes tend to dilute whatever it was that produced the initial "perfection".

Just as Secretariat or Bret Hanover never sired offspring in their precise replica, few and far between are the human Michael Jordan's, Bo Jackson's, Mohammed Ali's, Mariano Rivera's, etc who have fathered or mothered offspring remotely approaching their degree of athletic perfection.

However, it should be noted that 7' 6" basketball star Yao Ming was literally bred to be what he was coming from a 6'7" father and 6'3" mother. Both were professional basketball players in his native China. It remains to be seen however what Yao himself will ultimately produce, although his wife did play basketball for China's Olympic team.

Undoubtedly similar scenarios would apply to the Einstein's, Steve Jobs' or any others considered mental geniuses who don't quite account for offspring equal to their own mentally brilliant images.

Furthermore, Frank Jr. and Nancy Sinatra were excellent singers though neither approached the mantle of the legendary "Board Chairman" Frank Sinatra.

In that horses, stallions in particular, have multiple offspring each year, the likelihood is that they may produce several or even many that approach or exceed their abilities. Generally speaking those that do so are not quite replicas, though the additional genetics may even enhance the final product.

Seattle Slew was hardly genetic perfection, but did he ever out-sire Secretariat who virtually was genetic perfection.

Both current Harness Racing super-sires Somebeachsomewhere and Muscle Hill left something to be desired in their individual pedigrees and could hardly be considered genetic perfection in terms of their individual breeds. Both however were virtual perfection on the racetrack. Thus far only "Beach" has come close to reproducing himself, although with sons like Captaintreacherous and Papi Rob Hanover, there was immense genetic contribution on each son's dam's side.

Muscle Hill may have been perfect on the track though his maternal line is adequate at best. While he's proven a super-sire, he's yet to provide one quite in his own exacting image. In that Muscle Hill came along later in his sire Muscles Yankee's stallion career, the possibility exists that the best of Muscle Hill could be yet to come. Or like Speedy Crown, he may produce many decent-siring sons but not one in his own superior image. Time will tell.

Then there were the virtual racing perfections like Niatross, Speedy Scot, Nevele Pride, Affirmed and Spectacular Bid who never quite approached the level of their sires Secretariat or Bret Hanover in terms of genetic perfection. None of that "quintet" was able to come close to Somebeachsomewhere, Muscle Hill or Seattle Slew as sires.

This year should provide a close look into Chapter Seven's ultimate legacy. Chapter Seven would likely not be considered "genetic and racing perfection". Still, he has proven a brilliant stallion, out-siring his racing abilities. Chapter Seven's number-one son Walner steps to the plate with his first racing crop in 2021 while another son Gimpanzee will service his initial book of mares this year.

In terms of perfection, Walner potentially falls into the Muscle Hill category as his brief racing career gave indications of true greatness. However, similar to Somebeachsomewhere and Muscle Hill, Walner would not be considered genetic perfection. Thus his initial siring exploits will be closely monitored and may be enhanced by the addition of superior genetics on the dam's side.

When perfection is diluted the result tends to be imperfection. However, imperfection can be enhanced by the introduction of genetics superior to those inherent in that imperfect individual.