I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a more "astute eye" for horses than Lukas. I used to think those same things that many people criticize Lukas for. I've talked to Mr. Lukas many times, read most all of his interviews, gone to Oaklawn at Dawn where he was featured, etc.......for 18+ years or so.
I remember when he was one of the few who started flying horses "coast to coast". Nobody did that.
He "knows" which ones can take consequetive races and which can't. I think there are trainers who don't care about their horses, and run them into the ground.... Lukas has nothing to prove, loves the game, has won everything there is to win. He rides, he knows horses.
he's also a gambler. Risk taker type.
And just maybe, he expects horses to "keep up with him" 
At 80-something he's very active. Seems to go with his entire philosophy.
If a horse has a shot at hitting the board, and they are healthy and sound, why not take a shot?
