One week this forum screams that time means nothing and then the next week it does.
You're right.
Time does matter. That's what breeding deals are set on.
That said, monster times usually happen on big days with the track worked to provide as much speed as possible. Best Chip's 1:46.4 was on Pace day, I believe. Dealt A Winner went 45.4 on Hambo day. He was very good but maybe not a great. But the track was super fast.
Bourbonista (Melander) winning off a layoff after trotting 48.4 five weeks ago is another. How does THAT happen? Second fastest trot mile ever belongs to a mare that was mid level condition two months ago. Now she only runs every 3-4-5 weeks and wins big races.
Melander almost won the Mare trot with Tactical Moni. Off 7 weeks. One race in 10 months. How does THAT happen.
I don't know how it happens, but it's bullshit.
Makes me appreciate Bulldog Hanover who went 46.1 or better three straight weeks.