BEAU JANGLES yearling video----would you have bought?

[wizardofoz]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyMSAeeYa8U

[wizardofoz]

Last week qualifier video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDmU0AemFs8

[SDST2009]

I find it awfully hard to evaluate pacers off of yearling photos. It seems like a lot of the time all you can identify is if they look athletic (he does) or if they do something egregiously wrong (throw a leg; look off, etc).

If the question is would I have bought solely on video, the answer is no. But if the question is whether anything in his video would make me not buy him, the answer is also no.

My understanding was, the biggest knock on him at the sale was he was too big. Having seen him in person at 2...he is pretty damn big. But it sure hasn't hindered him much. They can be big and athletic, or big and clunky (and therefore hard on themselves). He is definitely the former.

[goblue]

His video is fine, no red flags. Gait a little clunky due to his size at such a young age, as previous poster mentioned. That probably would've kept my hand down when he went through the ring. But whoever raised it sure did capitalize

[Open bridle]

I looked at Pebble Beach at the Yearling Sales and he seem too small to be anything special. I guess you never know whats under the hood.

[Brown jug]

after you watch enough video they all start to look the same
more valuable in terms of looking for flaws
don't forget his pedigree is strong

[MIKE CAMPBELL]

after you watch enough video they all start to look the same
more valuable in terms of looking for flaws
don't forget his pedigree is strong

Based on the video, I would say he might be close to his knees on half mile track turns but many times after further growth, that may be eliminated. Also, assessing a pacer that does nothing but trot on the video can sometimes be a crapshoot. I probably would have looked elsewhere.

[clearmind]

  You can't tell the size of the heart off a video. What you do want to see is how fast is he to the trough.   

[SDST2009]

  You can't tell the size of the heart off a video. What you do want to see is how fast is he to the trough.

If someone could reliably indicate that kind of heart & desire at the yearling sales, they'd be the richest person in harness racing.

It's easy to say now but I can say Beau Jangles does have a different look in his eyes. I didn't see him at the yearling sale so can't say if it existed then, but the "look of eagles" was apparent in him by the time he had beaten up on any other 2yo that faced him.

[SeattleSlew]

This is the "book" for evaluation of yearling pacer videos; pretty much covers everything, but I agree with the overall sentiment that a video generally is more for a "rule out" than a "rule in."

When evaluating a yearling pacer's
video for harness racing, you are looking for evidence of athleticism, structural correctness, and a natural affinity for the pacing gait. Since these videos are often filmed in a paddock or on a lead, pay close attention to how the horse handles its own body at speed without the constraint of gear.

1. Gait and Movement (The "Way of Going")
The way a horse moves is the most critical indicator of its potential on the track.

    Pacing Tendency: Look for a horse that naturally shifts into a lateral pace (moving legs on the same side together) rather than just galloping or trotting when spooked or pressured. A "loose-moving" horse that can easily transition between gaits often suggests versatility and athletic ability.
    Front Stride & Reach: Check for a "flat knee" movement where the front leg stays relatively straight and stretches forward rather than lifting excessively high. A more vertical shoulder angle can lead to a shorter, choppier stride, which is less efficient for a pacer.
    Hind End Drive: The hocks should reach forward and drive well underneath the horse's body. Look for a strong "swing" in the hocks that suggests power originating from the hindquarters.
    Tracking Straight: Observe the horse coming toward and moving away from the camera. The legs should move in a straight line without "paddlng" out or "winging" in.

2. Conformation and Balance
While the video shows movement, it also reveals how the horse’s physical structure (conformation) supports that movement.

    Overall Balance: The yearling should look proportional. Ideally, the neck, back, and hips should be of roughly equal length. A well-balanced horse is less likely to suffer from lameness over a long racing career.
    Leg Structure: Watch for straightness in the legs and strength in the bone. Avoid horses that appear "pigeon-toed" or "cow-hocked," as these defects can lead to "hitting knees" or "crossfiring" at high speeds—common reasons for early retirement in pacers.
    Girth Depth: A deep girth suggests ample room for the heart and lungs, which is vital for stamina during a race.

3. Demeanor and Presence
A horse's mental state in the video can hint at its future "trainability".

    Calmness Under Pressure: Even when running in a paddock for the camera, a yearling that remains focused and relaxed is often easier to break and train than one that is excessively nervous or anxious.
    Alertness: Look for an "athletic" look and a bright, alert expression.

Summary Checklist for Video Review
Feature    What to Look For   Why It Matters
Pace   Natural, easy lateral movement   Indicates natural speed and gait stability
Knees   Low, flat, and reaching forward   Reduces wasted energy and risk of injury
Hocks   Powerful drive underneath the body   The "engine" of the horse for speed
Straightness   Legs moving in a straight vertical plane   Prevents "interference" (hitting other legs)
Topline   Balanced and strong muscle development   Necessary for athletic endurance

[AgentQ]

This is the "book" for evaluation of yearling pacer videos; pretty much covers everything, but I agree with the overall sentiment that a video generally is more for a "rule out" than a "rule in."

When evaluating a yearling pacer's
video for harness racing, you are looking for evidence of athleticism, structural correctness, and a natural affinity for the pacing gait. Since these videos are often filmed in a paddock or on a lead, pay close attention to how the horse handles its own body at speed without the constraint of gear.

1. Gait and Movement (The "Way of Going")
The way a horse moves is the most critical indicator of its potential on the track.

Great and insightful post, there's hope for this site.

    Pacing Tendency: Look for a horse that naturally shifts into a lateral pace (moving legs on the same side together) rather than just galloping or trotting when spooked or pressured. A "loose-moving" horse that can easily transition between gaits often suggests versatility and athletic ability.
    Front Stride & Reach: Check for a "flat knee" movement where the front leg stays relatively straight and stretches forward rather than lifting excessively high. A more vertical shoulder angle can lead to a shorter, choppier stride, which is less efficient for a pacer.
    Hind End Drive: The hocks should reach forward and drive well underneath the horse's body. Look for a strong "swing" in the hocks that suggests power originating from the hindquarters.
    Tracking Straight: Observe the horse coming toward and moving away from the camera. The legs should move in a straight line without "paddlng" out or "winging" in.

2. Conformation and Balance
While the video shows movement, it also reveals how the horse’s physical structure (conformation) supports that movement.

    Overall Balance: The yearling should look proportional. Ideally, the neck, back, and hips should be of roughly equal length. A well-balanced horse is less likely to suffer from lameness over a long racing career.
    Leg Structure: Watch for straightness in the legs and strength in the bone. Avoid horses that appear "pigeon-toed" or "cow-hocked," as these defects can lead to "hitting knees" or "crossfiring" at high speeds—common reasons for early retirement in pacers.
    Girth Depth: A deep girth suggests ample room for the heart and lungs, which is vital for stamina during a race.

3. Demeanor and Presence
A horse's mental state in the video can hint at its future "trainability".

    Calmness Under Pressure: Even when running in a paddock for the camera, a yearling that remains focused and relaxed is often easier to break and train than one that is excessively nervous or anxious.
    Alertness: Look for an "athletic" look and a bright, alert expression.

Summary Checklist for Video Review
Feature    What to Look For   Why It Matters
Pace   Natural, easy lateral movement   Indicates natural speed and gait stability
Knees   Low, flat, and reaching forward   Reduces wasted energy and risk of injury
Hocks   Powerful drive underneath the body   The "engine" of the horse for speed
Straightness   Legs moving in a straight vertical plane   Prevents "interference" (hitting other legs)
Topline   Balanced and strong muscle development   Necessary for athletic endurance