When we happen to get one that is absolutely in perfect condition and is totally full of confidence, it is so full of life that it doesn't stand on it's feet. It just stands on the ends of it's claws, like it is weightless.
I have one out there now. One. His father is the 'beautiful' Jos Thone' cock from last year, his mother is the 600 mile hen from Melbourne. He has had every toss, never blinks an eye, and has suddenly has gone into a different mode. He is very quiet, I can pick him up with one hand and he likes being fed on his perch.
But he is just a whole different thing from some of the others. When he stands on the sputnik, you can see he is hardly touching the board
When the races start I will hopefully have a couple of dozen others in the shed. Some of them will be going really well too. Then there will be some that are not really in the same class. When the losses start to bite I will probably send them, then like you, condemn myself for losing good pigeons.
No, I have just lost pigeons.
on the back of your comments and the disaster of a race we had yesterday I have decided he won't be going to Perth or Elgin, I might give the last 2 short races but I'll see how he looks at the time. 
at this point in time if don't get a few more back I'm not sure I'll be sending anything to either race !!! Even at this age and the years I've been in this sport you still make these silly errors in judgement trying to get that winner and throw away good pigeons 