“Man O’ War did it without the benefit of modern medicine.”
Man O’ War also did it without the hindrance of modern competition. Would he have beaten Sham 3 times? The time clock says no.
THe point of the matter is that Man O war was THE standard by all horses were compared too, even Secretariat, Man O war was so dominant he won 20 out of the 21 races he competed in, coming in 2 in his only non first finish(many think it was rigged), Man O War held almost every major speed record until modern breeding took hold(many thanks to his DNA) and modern steroids. So you can play the ‘well the time clock says no game’ all day, but it doesnt take away his greatness and why he is considered by many experts to be the GOAT.
Did you forget that Sham and other modern competitors have the benefit of modern medicine and training?