[Tim Y]

I recall a journal I used to subscribe to (J or Sports Physiology or some such title) and it promoted the idea (first used in finding athletes for the East German Olympic teams) of rapid firing neurons. It was their premise that specific testing (nerve conduction studies, biopsies, etc.) could isolate those individuals with a genetic superiority in SPEED. It also promoted
(with lots of specific examples is stamina sports, specifically cross
country skiing and running) the point that STAMINA is a maturing,
developmental condition versus the inborn aspect of speed. Stamina can
be a something one can attain through practice, but SPEED is either
there or it isn't.

It is evident in the thoroughbred: When horses age, what is left to
them? Quickness. You see many an old war horse still able to get out
front, but not having the ability to last very often.(I am reminded of
the ten year old gelding named Celt who won twice last year in just
this manner at Hastings). You see precocious babies flash speed but it
takes maturation to apportion that over a distance of ground and some
NEVER make that change. When horses of ability are going off form,
what aspect is left to them while that form degenerates? Their speed,
NOT their stamina.