Reflections of 2009: Part Two

 

Rachel Alexandra winning the Haskell

Zenyatta wins the Clement L. HirschSummer Bird winning the Belmont Stakes

June heralds the Belmont Stakes, the last leg of the Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes & Belmont Stakes) and the only race of the three not run during May. After Rachel Alexandra’s magnificent Preakness Stakes win the first question everyone wanted answered was whether or not she would return to contest the Belmont Stakes. Her connections opted out of the Belmont, leaving Derby winner Mine that Bird as the main contender. Charitable Man was returning to action in the Belmont after having won the Peter Pan Stakes earlier in the year. Undefeated as a two year old, he was largely unproven against the best three year old colts in the nation and his connections believed he was good enough to run with the best in the Belmont. On June 6, the “other bird” pulled the upset at Belmont in electrifying style. Coming from far off the pace, Summer Bird sloshed through the mud, passing Mine that Bird and Charitable Man to win going away.  Summer Bird and Mine that Bird share the same sire in Birdstone, the horse who upset Smarty Jones in the 2004 Belmont Stakes. Earlier in the day Gio Ponti dashed his way into major prominence by winning the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap at Belmont for his second consecutive grade 1 score. June 27 was a ladies’ day extravaganza. Arguably the two best female horses in thoroughbred racing squared off against hopelessly overmatched fields on separate coasts. In New York Rachel Alexandra destroyed the Mother Goose field in stakes record time by 19 ¾ lengths, the largest margin in history. Less than half an hour later in California, Zenyatta carried 129 pounds to yet another easy repeat victory in the Vanity Handicap. Before we leave the month of June I also need to mention that my brother got married on June 6, Belmont Stakes day. I asked him to change the date the week before the wedding so that I could at least watch the race live, but to no avail. (:

July, the independence month, and Informed Decision kept the ball rolling with her fifth consecutive victory in the Chicago Handicap. After her third consecutive victory people began watching, after the fourth everyone was watching, after the fifth she cemented her position as frontrunner for champion female sprinter. Zensational took center stage the next day in his stakes debut, leading gate to wire to win the Grade 1 Triple Bend Handicap at Hollywood Park, and making a bold statement in the California sprint division stakes. Bob Baffert found himself with yet another promising sprinter less than one year after saying goodbye to 2007 champion sprinter and two time winner of the Breeders Cup Sprint, Midnight Lute. July 11 and it was back to Gio Ponti and a star-studded field of runners in the Man O’ War Stakes.  Making a strong case for older male championship and entering the horse of the year picture, Gio Ponti stormed to victory, winning his third consecutive grade one race of the year. The same day trainer Bob Baffert sent out promising two year old colt Lookin At Lucky to an impressive debut maiden victory at Hollywood Park. On July 18 a gorgeous gray filly by the name of Careless Jewel came flying onto the national racing scene, winning the Delaware Oaks by more than 7 lengths at odds of 10-1 in her stakes race debut. The very next day on July 19 one of the greatest moments in horse racing history occurred, I turned 21. Alright, maybe not one of the greatest, but I was thrilled nonetheless. In case anyone is interested, I asked for Curlin for my birthday.

August, the month when racing turns up the heat. Only two days into the month Rachel Alexandra, Summer Bird and newly returned Quality Road faced off against each other in the Haskell Invitational at Monouth Park. Quality Road was coming off a victory in the Amsterdam Stakes, a race which he won in record time after being on the sidelines since before May. Rachel Alexandra continued her path of unequaled brilliance, winning by more than 6 lengths on a

Gio Ponti

sloppy track over Summer Bird in second, becoming just the second filly in more than 40 years to win the prestigious race. August 8 Gio Ponti extended his incredible grade one winning streak to four in the Arlington Million. Back in California Zensational defeated older horses in his first try and sprinted to victory in the Bing Crosby Stakes. Zenyatta picked things up the following day with a heart-pounding repeat victory in the Clement L. Hirsch, just squeaking into the winners circle by a mere nose, the smallest margin of victory in the undefeated mares career. Bob Baffert unleashed maiden winner Lookin At Lucky to lay waste to the Best Pal Stakes earlier the same day. On the 22^nd, Careless Jewel returned to the racing scene with an eye-opening 11 length romp in the Alabama Stakes. It was her fourth consecutive win, and were it not for Rachel Alexandra, she would certainly have made a strong case for 3 year old filly honors. The August 29th Travers Stakes headlined the continued ascendency of Summer Bird as the leading 3 year old colt in the nation. Fighting back a stubborn Quality Road the length of the Saratoga stretch, Summer Bird splashed to victory with jockey Kent Desormeaux aboard.

As I was writing this second part, I kept finding more and more major horses I’d left out so guess what? It’s going to be a three-parter now! Please bear with me, and if I’ve forgotten any of your favorites please share anything that comes to mind.

Reflections Of 2009: Part 1

 

Rachel Alexandra wins the 2009 Preakness Stakes

Gio Ponti wins the Frank E. Kilroe Mile over Ventura

Mine that Bird wins the 2009 Kentucky Derby at odds of 50-1

Recently I’ve been wrapped up in a web of negative thoughts regarding horse racing, especially toward the end of this year. Whenever the end of the year rolls by, it seems that all I see are retirement announcements left and right. It really isn’t fair to focus on the negative when this year became one of the greatest, record breaking seasons in history. So I’ve decided it’s time I grow up and stop whining about everything that doesn’t go my way. This doesn’t mean that I’m happy about groups of good horses being retired, I’ve just come to accept that this is the way it is, so I’d better make the best of it for now. This year started with a very dynamic group of young three year olds all stomping down the Triple Crown trail. Then came a certain three year old filly sensation that tore down all previously set boundaries and waltzed into the history books and hearts of people all across the nation. Next came one of the most intriguing Triple Crown runs fans have witnessed in many years resulting in three separate and unique winners garnering one jewel each. Lastly the 2008 undefeated Champion Older Female returned to produce a stunning finale to her career in a history-defying Breeders’ Cup. I’m going to go over as many performances from earlier in the year as I can possibly remember and hopefully spark some life into the corners of our musings. Let’s revive the best moments of this year and relive the glory from some of the most incredible performances racing fans have had the honor to witness in decades.

January represents the chance for all things to start anew with fresh beginnings. It’s also the month that lights the fuse that leads to the explosion known as; the Triple Crown and namely the Kentucky Derby. On January 10 Larry Jones sent out Friesan Fire to an impressive victory in the Lecomte Stakes in Louisiana.  This was the first step in a journey that culminated in a clean sweep of the Louisiana 3-year-old series and favoritism in the most illustrious race in

The Pamplemousse

history. On January 17 a gorgeous three year old colt with the strangest name, and visually awkward running style captured the San Rafael Stakes in California. The Pamplemousse was his name and he was commencing a terrific west coast campaign. One that would ultimately end in tremendous disappointment for all his fans and the connections. On January 18 Life is Sweet stormed to victory in the El Encino Stakes for trainer John Shirreffs. With the win in the El Encino Stakes Life is Sweet brought to light the fact that John Shirreffs now had one of the most powerful older female duo’s in history. The undefeated 2008 Champion Older Female Zenyatta and Life is Sweet in one barn.

Come February the trail to the Triple Crown becomes peppered  with eager young horses, each being guided by enthusiastic trainers, jockeys and owners, all hoping for their shot at racing immortality. Bob Baffert has become a racing legend, his Triple Crown crusades are among the most exciting and entertaining in this history of the great event. On February 7 Pioneerof The Nile won the Robert B. Lewis Stakes en rout to becoming Baffert’s newest star Triple Crown performer. Eight days later, Friesan Fire was back to win the Risen Star Stakes in Louisiana. With the win he launched himself to the top of many Derby watch lists and proved himself a serious threat. Another star was born that day, this one would go super-nova and beyond. We all know and love her, oh boy do we love her! Rachel

Rachel Alexandra

Alexandra didn’t just explode onto the racing scene in 2009, she won the Martha Washington stakes by 8 effortless lengths and propelled herself to the top of the 3 year old filly ranks and stayed there.  The very next day the undefeated 2008 two year old male Eclipe Award finalist Old Fashioned, made his three year old debut in spectacular

Old Fashioned

fashion. Running away with the Southwest Stakes, he immediately joined Friesan Fire at the top of the Derby watch lists. Many fans, including myself had him as their early pick to win the Kentucky Derby. It’s always hard to find a reason not to like an undefeated runner, and Old Fashioned was particularly enthralling, being a striking gray colt with a streamlined tail that flew free in his wake. On the 28 The Pamplemousse continued his ascent in the California ranks with a dominant win in the Sham Stakes. At the same time a stunning bay on the east coast exploded onto the Kentucky Derby scene with a powerful performance in the Fountain of Youth Stakes. When I viewed Quality Road for the first time I was struck by the depth of his chest. He looked like a three year old firecracker in a four year olds mature body. Watching him run was pure heaven, flawless strides, tactical speed and heart to spare. Add another one to the top three of most all lists.

One of the most impressive Two Year Old Champion Females of the decade made her much anticipated seasonal debut

Stardom Bound

on March 7. Whoever named Stardom Bound should win an award for the most prophetic naming of an athlete. She stormed to victory that day in the Santa Anita Oaks

I Want Revenge

and posted her 5th consecutive grade 1 score. Astonishing for such a young filly. Later that same day another new star emerged in the form of I Want Revenge winning the Gotham Stakes. He had previously finished behind Pioneerof The Nile on two occasions but emerged as a force to be reckoned with after his first victory on traditional dirt. Gio Ponti won the Grade 1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile Handicap over 2008 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint champion Ventura also on the same day, and began one of the most impressive grade 1 winning streaks in recent history. On March 9, Einstein proved to be one of the most versatile older horses in thoroughbred horse racing history by winning the Santa Anita Handicap on Santa Anita’s Pro Ride synthetic track. With the win, he became only the second horse in history to win graded stakes on dirt, turf and synthetic tracks. Pioneerof The Nile returned on the 14th to capture the San Felipe Stakes while Freisan Fire burned up the track by winning his third graded stakes score in a row, the Louisiana Derby. Rachel Alexandra captured the Fair Ground Oaks the same day and cemented her role as leading 3 year old filly. Life is Sweet also extended her repertoire that day by making it two graded stakes in a row in winning the Santa Margarita Intitational, capturing her first grade 1 race in the process. On the 27 Justwhistledixie stormed onto

Justwhistledixie

the three year old filly scene by trumping the field in the Bonnie Miss Stakes, bringing her winning streak to five consecutive. The next day Quality Road out-fought undefeated and favored Dunkirk in the Florida Derby and flew to victory, looking very much the

Quality Road

part of a Kentucky Derby favorite. The same day American dual-champion Indian Blessing took on the boys in the Dubai Golden Shaheen and finished a fast closing 2^nd to Big City Man.

On April 4^th the ball was back in the court of I Want Revenge, he scored a slam dunk and then some. In the most difficult trip of the entire Triple Crown trail of 2009, I Want Revenge overcame all adversity and streaked to an impressive victory in the Wood Memorial. Say hello to another strongly supported Kentucky Derby favorite. On the 9^th older filly Informed Decision faced off against Ventura in the Vinery Madison and prevailed by a head. On the 15^th Rachel Alexandra once again showed an unearthly dominance while running away to a more than 8 length victory in the Fantasy Stakes, the largest margin of victory in history.

May is the month we all wait for. The “First Saturday In May”, it heralds one of the biggest days of the year in sports. This year I was anticipating the Kentucky Oaks almost as much as the Kentucky Derby itself. Rachel Alexandra and Justwhistledixe were the two heavy favorites, with Rachel Alexandra getting the most support. Unfortunately

Rachel Alexandra

Justwhistledixe had to be scratched from the Kentucky Oaks the morning of the race, leaving Rachel Alexandra the overwhelming favorite. Never has a favorite justified the support of their fans and bettors so adamantly and with such overwhelming confidence as Rachel Alexandra did that day. She ran away from the best fillies in the country while being stoutly restrained the entire length of the stretch, passing under the wire 20 lengths ahead of the pack. Earlier in the day the expected return of Zenyatta was cut short when her connections decided to withdraw the great mare from the Louisville Distaff due to wet conditions. Informed Decision started things out on Derby day by winning the Humana Distaff for her fourth consecutive win. Einstein followed that up by becoming the first horse in history to win two running’s of the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic and also stamped himself as the front-runner for the Eclipse award as champion

Mine That Bird

older male. The Kentucky Derby lived up to its billing as the greatest horse race in the world when the longest shot in the field, and the second longest shot in history won at odds 50-1 from dead last. Mine That Bird, the forgotten little gelding flew up the rail, splashing through the mud to win going away by more than 6 lengths, the largest margin in over 60 years of Kentucky Derby history. Two weeks later Rachel Alexandra cranked up the excitement in a dramatic renewal of the Preakness Stakes. Under the new ownership of Jess Jackson and Harold T. McCormick, Rachel Alexandra became the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness Stakes and the first horse ever to win from the 13 hole. A speeding Mine That Bird came from far back to finish second by 1 length. Exactly one week later Zenyatta made her triumphant return to the races with a repeat win in the Milady Hadicap.

Zenyatta

It’s taken me much longer to compile a list of the moments and races I enjoyed the most this year so I’m going to have to make this a two-parter. I even discovered some stories I’d forgotten from earlier this year and “reconnected” with some of my favorite horses like Old Fashioned who completely left the limelight along with The Pamlemousse, Quality Road and I Want Revenge due to injuries.

What were your favorite memories, races, horses or stories from January thru May this year? Please share any and all you may have, and they don’t have to be from this year.

Born To Run, Denied The Fun

Curlin

   2007 produced one of the most stellar crops of

Rags To Riches

three year olds ever to grace the track, the lineup of talent included Curlin, Street Sense, Hard Spun, Any Given Saturday, Rags To Riches, Tiago and Nobiz Like Shobiz. All seven of these runners participated in at least one Triple Crown race and, as a result, the 2007 Triple Crown produced historic and exciting renewals. Street Sense became the only Breeders’ Cup Juvenile victor in history to win the Kentucky Derby

the following year. Curlin began his career in February and three months later won the Preakness in record equaling time by a head over Street Sense. Kentucky Oaks winner Rags To Riches became the first filly in over 100 years to win the Belmont Stakes,

Street Sense

beating Curlin in a stretch battle for the ages by a neck. Hard Spun placed second to Street Sense in the Derby, ran third to Curlin and Street Sense in the Preakness, and fourth to Rags To Riches and Curlin in

Hard Spun

the Belmont.  Any Given Saturday defeated Hard Spun and Curlin in the Haskell Invitational later in the year. Hard Spun won the King’s Bishop Stakes, then defeated Street Sense in Kentucky. Street Sense won the Jim Dany and Travers Stakes before running second to Hard Spun. Curlin ran down the

exceptional older horse, Lawyer Ron, in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and then defeated Hard Spun, Street Sense, Lawyer Ron and Any Given Saturday in the Breeders’ Cup

Any Given Saturday

Classic. Unfortunately Rags To Riches suffered a fracture while running in the Gazelle and never raced again.

   From this exceptional group of runners, only one was withheld from the breeding barns and returned to racing in 2008, Curlin. All others were retired. This year I have noticed an alarming acceleration in this pattern in  the racing industry. Out of curiosity, I decided to compile a “short” list of the runners retired, or being retired, this year.

1. Zenyatta
2. Zensational
3. Indian Blessing
4. Music Note
5. Seventh Street
6. Einstein
7. Ventura
8. Cocoa Beach
9. Kip Deville
10. Colonel John
11. My Pal Charlie
12. Unbridled Belle
13. Cowboy Cal
14. Mint Lane
15. Cosmonaut
16. Commentator
17. Idiot Proof
18. Pioneerofthe Nile
19. Champs Elysses
20. Icon Project
21. Forever Together
22. Old Fashioned
23. Sea the Stars
24. Conduit
25. Mastercraftsman

   The last three mentioned are European. Did I miss any? Yes, many, many in fact. While creating this list, I discovered that I was barely scratching the surface and therefore chose only the names that were most recognized this year.

Sea The Stars

   When it was announced that Sea The Stars would be retired after his unmatched 2009 campaign, the general reaction was disappointment from thousands of star-struck fans. Disappointment, but not surprise. We fans have become used to the concept that the most talented, standout horses of the year will be retired to stud after a good three year old campaign, regardless of how badly we, and the industry, want them back for one more year. If they aren’t a filly or a gelding, it’s adios amigo! This year, Sea The Star’s connections said that he was in his element when running and in tip-top shape when they announced his retirement. In the same breath they said that it would be unfair to the horse to continue running him. To think that the fans are stupid enough to buy into that weak excuse is insulting to say the least. If they want to retire the horse fine, but be honest to the public and admit the real reason: money.

   Horses like Zensational barely got a chance to prove their talent, and with

Einstein

the time he was given he showed outstanding skill. If he was allowed to run again next year we could have witnessed a very special older sprinter.  Zenyatta and Einstein are the only two that I’m not averse to seeing retired. Both apparently love running, both are older and in terrific shape, and both have nothing left to prove. Although it would be amazing to see Zenyatta race Rachel Alexandra and face the boys more often, she has had a great career. Einstein will probably be a hot ticket at stud due to his remarkable versatility. He will attempt to go out on a high note in the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs this Friday against Macho Again and possibly Bullsbay. He has been one of the most consistent long-term, top-tier runners in recent history. Ventura will also try to end her brilliant career Saturday with a win in the Matriarch Stakes against Diamondrella and Rutherienne.

Jess Jackson

   People like Jess Jackson get a lot of flak from fans and media alike for their methods in racing. When Jackson bought Rachel Alexandra after her record setting Kentucky Oaks win, many considered it a “shortcut” to being a winner in the top echelons of the sport. Regardless of how you feel about his tactics, you must appreciate the fact that he returned Curlin, one of the best horses of the last 25 years, for a second campaign in 2008. He plans on doing the same thing with Rachel Alexandra for next year; she is already beginning her training in New Orleans. If Rachel Alexandra wins Horse of the Year, that will be two very special, not to mention much-loved, Horse of the Year champions that Jess Jackson has kept in training two consecutive years despite lucrative breeding offers. We need many more Jess Jacksons in this sport.

   People in racing, mainly owners, are in a huge hurry to rush their horses off to stud. They state the reasons that they believe their horse(s) will greatly contribute their stamina, strength, and speed to the gene pool. If the only reason they breed is to find another horse to breed, then what’s the point? Are they born to run, or breed? The real race nowadays is done in the breeding shed, not on the track. It needs to be brought back to the track.

Bobby Frankel: Passing of a Master (7/9/41-11/16/09)

Bobby Frankel

When talking about by Bobby Frankel and all the incredible things he accomplished in his illustrious training career, the only question that comes to mind is: “What didn’t he win?”

One of the most well know, respected and successful trainers of all time in Thoroughbred Horse Racing, Bobby Frankel passed away early Monday morning at the age of 68 after fighting a recurrence of lymphoma. He was known as being very opinionated when it came to his horses or anything to do with racing, but could also be the most heartwarming person you had ever met. I remember when I was attending the 2007 Breeders’ Cup at Monmouth Park, one of the things I was looking forward to seeing was Ginger Punch running in the Distaff and her trainer Bobby Frankel. Ginger

Ginger Punch

Punch won the Distaff in thrilling style, but Frankel was not there. He had stayed at home to be with his beloved Australian Shepherd, Happy who was near death. That was one of the most touching stories I had ever heard regarding someone so huge in the racing industry. Sacrificing one of the biggest days in his career to be with his dying dog, you can’t get much more devoted or tender than that.

When I began to research Bobby Frankel’s life and career, I was astonished at the magnitude of his accomplishments. Starting in 1970, Frankel won 30 training titles at Saratoga, 13 at Hollywood Park, 11 at Santa Anita (including the Oak Tree Meet) and 5 at Del Mar. 2008 was his last full year of training, a year in which his stable ranked fourth in the nation’s standing with $11.7 million. He also won 11 Grade 1 races, the most of any other trainer. He trained 11 horses to championship

Ghostzapper

titles, including Gostzapper, Ginger Punch and Bertrando. He won races like the Gamely and Matriarch 8 times each, the Eddie Read 7 times, Charles Whittingham Memorail 6 times and set a record for the same number in the Pacific Classic. He also won the Woodward, Forego and Met Mile each 4 times. On final tally, he won 3,654 races in his career, and is second only to D. Wayne Lucas in earnings with $227, 947,775. The list goes on and on, I’ve barely begun to scratched the surface.

In 1968, Frankel relocated to California and in 1972 he set a single season record of 60 wins at the Hollywood Park spring meet. This was accomplished almost entirely with claimers. Two years earlier he had the biggest win of his career in the Suburban Handicap with a horse he had claimed for $15,000, named Barometer.

The void left by his passing will eventually be filled, but the man and his achievements will never be forgotten or equaled.

 Rest in peace Mr. Frankel.

Rachel Alexandra Vs. Zenyatta: Battle for Horse of the Year

Zenyatta

 

Rachel Alexandra

          It has now been one week since Zenyatta’s historic Breeders’ Cup Classic victory and the euphoria is still running strong. Aside from being the most impressive Classic win in the 26 year history of the Breeders’ Cup, it was won by a gargantuan undefeated mare on her home track in front of a very enthusiastic crowd. Who doesn’t like it when the girls can beat the boys? When they defy the odds and throw out the rule book. This year has had its fair share on both accounts.

   The emotion and excitement introduced into thoroughbred horse racing this year has two incredible individuals to thank on that count. Three year old Super filly Rachel Alexandra and the undefeated five year old mare Zenyatta. Both considered by many to be possibly the best of all time depending on who you ask. In any other year these amazing two would each win the championship title of Horse of the Year by a tremendous landslide. Unfortunately for one of them, they just happen to be racing in the same year. To solve this problem I’ve come up with a fool-proof plan for Horse of the Year award: since no one seems able to choose between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, make Curlin Horse of the Year again! (:

Zenyatta

   As soon as Zenyatta crossed the finish line for the Classic, my mind, just like thousands of others, raced immediately to who would win Horse of the Year. In conquering the prestigious race, Zenyatta completed one of the most amazing careers in history by making the Classic a perfect number fourteen in fourteen lifetime races. She capped off a five-for-five 2009 season which included repeat a win in the Milady Handicap (gr.2) in which she defeated the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic winner, Life Is Sweet. Next she won the Vanity Handicap (gr.1) while carrying 129 pounds, 13 to 18 pounds more than her opponents, becoming the first horse since 1977 to win while carrying 129 pounds or more. The Clement L. Hirsch Handicap (gr.1) gave her the third repeat win in a row, and resulted in her closest margin of victory, a nose. In October she scored yet another

Zenyatta

repeat in the Lady’s Secret Stakes (gr.1) and tied Personal Ensign’s record of winning 13 races while remaining undefeated. The Breeders’ Cup Classic came next, where she trounced one of the strongest fields in recent years, while at the same time bringing her undefeated record to 14 and making it four consecutive grade 1 wins. She raced only in Southern California at Del Mar, Hollywood Park and Santa Anita/Oak Tree. All her victories this year have come over fast/good surfaces, and all over synthetic tracks.

Rachel Alexandra

   Rachel Alexandra completed one of the most incredible racing campaigns ever in 2009, regardless of age or sex. She competed at the highest level of racing competition and stepped up the game in every single start. She made it into Vogue magazine, sent ratings for the Preakness Stakes through the roof and created legions of fans in a time when horse racing desperately needed an exciting performer. She set two margin of victory records in two of the most prestigious three year old filly races in the country, set a new stakes record in one and defeated males two consecutive time, the last being against older horses. She started the year out by winning the Martha Washington Stakes and Fair Grounds Oaks against her own sex, then romped by more than 8 lengths in the Fantasy Stakes (gr2). Sent to the Kentucky Oaks to try and make history, Rachel Alexandra proved an over-achiever, winning by 20 ¼ lengths while being held back by jockey Calvin Borel the entire length of the stretch and just missing the stakes record. After being purchased by Jess Jackson and Harold T. McCormick ,Rachel Alexandra was entered in the Preakness Stakes (gr.1) and installed as the favorite. In front of a boisterous, enthusiastic crowd, she held off Kentucky Derby winner, Mine That Bird, to win by one length, becoming the only horse in history to win the coveted classic from the #13 post, and the first filly in 85 years to win. Next up, the Mother Goose Stakes (gr.1) against two over matched rivals. Crossing the line

Rachel Alexandra

19 ¾ lengths clear of the second runner, Rachel Alexandra set a new stakes record and was just off the Belmont track record set by Secretariat in 1973. She then defeated the boys again in the Haskell Invitational (gr.1) by 6 widening lengths, while again just missing the track and stakes records. She defeated Belmont Stakes (gr.1) winner Summer Bird and multiple stakes winner Munnings in the Haskell and was also only the second filly to win in the last 42 years. Next out she defeated older males in Saratoga’s Woodward Stakes (gr.1) after setting suicidal

Rachel Alexandra

fractions on the lead and holding off a fast closing Macho Again by a head. She is now the only filly/mare to ever win the prestigious Woodward Stakes. From May to September she won five consecutive grade 1’s. She raced in Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Maryland and New York while running at different tracks almost every time. She ran on sloppy and fast surfaces and finished her astounding year undefeated in 8 races.

   However you look at Horse of the Year debate, a very compelling case can be made for both candidates. They have both accomplished feats that will probably never be equaled in our lifetimes, and will never be forgotten. People will be discussing this year and these amazing athletes long after we are dead and gone. What they have done this year, no male counterpart was able to do in decades of racing history. They have transcended the base meaning of courage, heart and winning, showing fans what real horse racing is. It’s that feeling you can’t describe when you see your horse come charging down the stretch, heart pounding in your chest. It’s when you know you are witnessing history and it’s all on the line. When you don’t care how loud you yell, or what people think when you jump up and down, looking for all the world like an enraged maniac, gaze fiercely fixed to your television screen. The roars from thousands of fans as Rachel Alexandra crushed the Haskell field and Zenyatta devastated a word-class field in the Classic brings shivers to your spine. These are the moments created by only the greatest athletes in history, moments created from pure love of the sport.

Zenyatta

   If Zenyatta had won the Breeders’ Cup ladies Classic instead of running in the Classic

Rachel Alexandra

itself, Rachel Alexandra would still be sitting squarely atop the NTRA polls for Horse of the Year. As it is, Zenyatta could now steal away that once undisputed crown that Rachel has worn and seize the prize herself. You can bet Jess Jackson is kicking himself right about now, I don’t think he really believed the Moss’s would enter Zenyatta against the boys in the Classic.

Who should be Horse of the Year and why?

Rachel Alexandra deserves Horse of the Year.

Breeders’ Cup Day 2: League Of The Forgotten

The 26th Breeders’ Cup Championships are over, the champions have been crowned and history has been made. The hottest topic in racing is now Zenyatta vs. Rachel Alexandra for Horse of the Year award. With all the hype surrounding Zenyatta’s stunning victory against males in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, most of the other Breeders’ Cup victors seem to almost be a forgotten story.

Solid “GOLD-ikova”

Goldikova

   In any other year Goldikova’s incredible repeat victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile would have been the banner headline. Her accomplishment here deserves much more praise and attention than the racing world has bestowed upon her. She has done what only the great Miesque in 1987-1988 was able to do. Win two Breeders’ Cup Mile’s against the best males in the world without missing a beat. Goldikova’s trainer Freddy Head just happens to be the jockey that rode Miesque to both of her Mile victories, and is now the only person ever to train, and ride winners in the Breeders’ Cup, let alone twice in both categories.

   Breaking from the far outside in post #11, Goldikova was second to last. Pacesetting Karelian ran an opening quarter of :22.98 with Cowboy Cal rating just behind. As they approached the far turn Cowboy Cal took over briefly before long-shot Courageous Cat whizzed by, opening 1 ½ lengths on the field. With a furlong remaining in the race, Goldikova began to unleash a furious rally from the back, picking horses off one by one. Angled to the center of the course by jockey Peslier, Goldikova poured it on. Only 3 lengths from the lead, then two, one and in the blink of an eye she was home free, sailing under the line under a full head of steam. There were some questions before the race as to whether or not Goldikova was as good as she was in her spectacular three year old season last year, or if she had edged off that form somewhat. Suffice it to say, there are no questions now. She will go down as one of the greatest Breeders’ Cup champions of all time.

Passionate Repeat

Conduit

   A second Breeders’ Cup repeat came when favored Conduit won the Breeders’ Cup Turf over an ultra impressive Precious Passion. Breaking like a bolt of lightning from the gate, Precious Passion led the field on a merry game of “catch me if you can”, while Conduit took up position in the rear of the pack. Opening up three lengths on the field from the get go, Precious Passion extended his lead to about 12 lengths down the backstretch, looking very comfortable while doing it. As the field began rounding the final turn it looked as if Precious Passion would be a candidate for last place finish. Spanish Moon and filly Dar Re Mi were closest coming off the turn, while Conduit swung wide flying up with powerful strides. Defying what appeared to be a sure defeat, Precious Passion dug in gamely when Conduit came rushing up. They dueled through the stretch before Conduit was finally able to gain the upper hand and win by half a length over the irrepressible Precious Passion. Dar Re Mi got up for third, beaten only a length.

Tough Luck

Vale of York

   One of the most impressive efforts of the day, regardless of win or lose, was Lookin at Lucky’s runner up effort in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Made the heavy favorite due to his undefeated 4 for 4 record and regardless of his number 13 post, Lookin at Lucky looked much the best even in defeat. Piscitelli and D’Funnybone were the first two out of the gate, with Piscitelli taking the lead. Eventual winner Vale of York, tracked in third. Into the homestretch it seemed Noble’s Promise was on his way to victory, but Lookin at Lucky and Vale of York were flying from the middle of the pack. It appeared Lookin at Lucky would prevail, but Vale of York proved a determined foe. With one final surge, Vale of York caught the wire a neck ahead of a “tough luck” Lookin at Lucky.

Quick Upset

Dancing In Silks

  The Breeders’ Cup Sprint provided one of the day’s biggest surprises, and also one of the most shocking upsets. Red-hot Zensational looked to be invincible coming into the Sprint, riding his 4 race win streak, the last 3 being grade 1’s. After one of the worst trips in memory, in which he broke from the #1 post alongside the speedy Cost Of Freedom, Zensational wound up finishing fifth behind a “blanket finish wall” of four horses at the wire. It was one of the most exciting Breeders’ Cup Sprints in history, four horses together on the line in one big photo finish. 25-1 Longshot Dancing in Silks got up to win by a nose over Crown of Thorns who finished a head in front of Cost of Freedom, with Gayego a nose back in fourth.

Flag Flying High

California Flag

   After finishing a dismal 10th in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, California Flag seized the lead from the start in 2009 edition and never looked back. This was one of the most enjoyable races for me to watch aside from the Turf and Classic. I love a horse that can take a field from gate to wire and leave no doubt about their victory. After posting fractions of :21.50 for the opening quarter mile, and :43.09, California Flag shot off the final turn and kept roaring down the stretch, opening up on the field, before finishing a comfortable 1 ¾ lengths in the lead. His final time of 1:11.28 was a new stakes record.

“Dirt-my foot” Mile (had to throw that in)

Furthest Land

   Mastercraftsman was one of the heaviest favorites of the day and the almost unanimous choice to win in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt (synthetic) Mile. Last year’s 2 year old Champion Male, Midshipman, was also entered. Having raced only once in 2009 when winning an allowance race, he was a question mark, but winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile over Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride synthetics in 2008 bode well for him. 21-1 longshot Furthest Land pulled the shocking upset here with fellow longshot Ready’s Echo at 24-1 getting second. Midshipman came home third after leading the field from the gate to the homestretch turn. Mastercraftsman was a non factor, finishing well behind the top three.

Pounced

Pounced

  This was one of the best looking horses of the entire Breeders’ Cup in my opinion. The second he stepped into the paddock before the race, I dropped all other choices and made him my solid win choice for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Bridgetown took the field through opening fractions of :23:61 while Interactif pressed the pace on the outside. Bridgetown slingshotted off the turn and extended his lead over Interactif as the field began to close in. Pounced looked to be in trouble coming into the stretch, but rider Frankie Dettori was able rouse his mount mid-stretch enough to rally a furious run. Rushing to the lead, Pounced split the frontrunners and surged ahead. It was a gritty win by the determined young colt, who seems to have a very promising future.

   The Breeder’s Cup treated me very well this year.

   On day 1 I was able to choose the winners of Ladies Classic, Juvenile Fillies

Life Is Sweet winning the Ladies Classic

and Juvenile Fillies Turf, as well as getting beat narrowly in the Marathon with Coudy’s Knight. My Filly and Mare Sprint choice Sara Louise lacked her usual kick in the stretch and ruined my top three of Sara Louise, Informed Decision, and Ventura. I got slaughtered in the Filly and Mare Turf when Rutherienne was nowhere to be found, she must have missed the memo. My second and third picks Pure Clan and Forever Together must have received the memo though, because they finished 2,3 for me.

Zenyatta winning the Classic

 In Day 2 my Pounced, Awesome Act, Interactif tri was upset when Awesome Act finished fourth. California Flag came through for my win choice, but my Curlin family addiction proved unfortunate when Square Eddie wound up nowhere. The Breeders’ Cup Sprint was just about the worst handicapping job I’ve ever done in my life! Zensational killed my win, and Fatal Bullet followed right behind. At least they finished 1-2 relative to each other, just in the wrong field positions!(: My Lookin at Lucky, D’Funnybone, Noble’s Promise tri pick went nowhere. Lookin at Lucky and Noble’s Promise came in second and third, but D’Funnybone was dead in the stretch. Precious Passion just ruined my tri of Precious Passion, Conduit, Dar Re Mi in the Turf, but it was so close. Goldikova was wonderful to me, but I didn’t even consider second place finisher Courageous Cat before the race. I was gunning for Mastercraftsman to lose the Dirt Mile with my Midshipman, Furthest Land, Bullsbay tri in this one. The Curlin family angle served me well here (: but it didn’t really matter as they all finished in the wrong order and one missed the top three anyway. I almost hit a homerun with the Classic, but just missed when Twice Over took third over Summer Bird by a nose. My tri was Zenyatta, Gio Ponti (he looked awesome in the post parade) and Summer Bird.

   Who did you pick in the Breeders’ Cup races and how did they run for you? Or who do you wish you had picked and didn’t? I hate it when I discard a horse for some reason, and then they go on to win or ruin your top three picks, that’s one of the most de-gratifying things ever.

   Overall, the Breeders’ Cup 2009 was a terrific experience, and one that will keep me in awe for many years to come.

   I will be doing a post of Rachel Alexandra vs. Zenyatta for Horse of the Year soon.

Zenyatta: A Perfect Moment

Zenyatta

Mike Smith celebrates

   How do you begin to describe perfection? That one moment that leaves you speechless, where no words seems able to describe what’s happened, when reality slips beyond one’s perception and dreams become reality. Zenyatta is the realization of a dream, the perfect athlete. She possesses the speed, stamina, courage, power and heart to win any race in any situation, but more than that, she has created an emotional bond between fans of the sport that goes far deeper than a desire to observe exciting races. She has created a gigantic following of devoted fans around the world, who have a passionate love for the sport itself, and the heroes who sacrifice so much to keep it alive.

   Zenyatta became the first female in history to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday and extended her unbeaten skein of races to 14, surpassing Personal Ensign’s modern day record of 13 in-a-row. The Breeders’ Cup Classic capped off a fabulous day of racing, which included seven other Championship Breeders’ Cup races.

   A crowd of more the 58,000 was on hand to see Zenyatta face off against the boys and the anticipation in the air was electric. Showing her customary dance and prance all the way around the paddock, through the tunnel and during the post parade, Zenyatta looked the part of a champion. Mine that Bird with Calvin Borel aboard led the post parade with a gorgeous looking Summer Bird two back as the number 3 horse. The towering Zenyatta came next with European Twice Over right behind, his coat a glistening sheen. Gio Ponti and Einstein came one behind the other in positions 7 and 8 with second race favorite Rip Van Winkle as the number 10 horse. The striking European colt appeared to be thriving and his foot issues looked to be behind him. Cheers rippled the length of the grandstand as the fans followed Zenyatta’s progress to the gate, and her appointment with destiny. Zenyatta was stubborn loading into the gate, but with the help of the assistant starters, she loaded in short time and the rest of the field began to load. Quality Road had other plans however. He was eventually scratched after a heart pounding episode in which he refused to load multiple times, kicking his hind legs high in the air until blindfolded and led in, at which time he began bucking ferociously before bolting from the gate. Fortunately a starter was able to keep a hold on him and he was led off the track. The horses were unloaded, with Zenyatta appearing slightly agitated. They quickly got them loaded back in the gate, and the race was underway.

   Zenyatta broke very slowly and by the time they crossed the finish line for the first time she was approximately 10 lengths from pacesetting Regal Ransom. She appeared uncomfortable for the first couple hundred yards and was running on the wrong lead, tossing her head. Around the first turn jockey Mike Smith moved her ahead of Mine that Bird and kept her second to last down the backstretch.  Einstein sat in just behind the leader with Rip Van Winkle directly behind in third.  Around the far turn the field began to accelerate. Summer Bird shot through an opening, gunning for the lead, with Gio Ponti moving up the rail from the middle of the pack. Zenyatta was still second to last coming into the stretch and it appeared she was on her way to the first defeat of her career. Race caller Trevor Denman said it best: “Zenyatta has a lot, A LOT of work to do. If she wins this one, she will truly be a super filly.” Down the stretch Zenyatta reached the middle of the pack but was blocked by a wall of horses from making a straight run. Meanwhile Gio Ponti seized the lead and began inching from the group as Summer Bird began to separate from the rest and Twice Over closed from the outside. Mike Smith swung Zenyatta widest of all to give her a clear path and the champion responded as if she had been waiting for just this moment to move. As soon as she saw daylight, the race was over. A few taps of the whip, an impossible acceleration and Zenyatta burst to the lead, winning by one length over Gio Ponti and Twice Over with Summer Bird coming home fourth. The crowd went wild, deafening roars of delight, cheers and screams of victory rippled in Zenyatta’s wake. In the owner’s box, Jerry and Ann Moss were in tears, stunned by the amazing achievement they had just witnessed by their beloved mare. Jockey Mike Smith proclaimed Zenyatta Horse of the Decade when asked if she was Horse of the Year and said she has to be considered one of the greatest of all time now.

   The reception she received when returning from the backstretch to approach the winners circle was unlike anything I have ever seen or heard in the sport before. As the undisputed “Queen of racing” pranced up and down before the grandstands, the fans went crazy. Zenyatta signs waved wildly above the crowd, the entire audience on their feet, applauding ecstatically, holding back no emotion in their appreciation of the flawless performance they had witnessed. You can’t rightly put it into words, the emotion we all felt for her as we reveled in the sheer wonder of her achievement. To make perfection look so easy was breathtaking, and comes along only once every few lifetimes. This was beyond a doubt the greatest Breeders Cup performance in the history of the Classic, and perhaps the entire Breeders Cup itself. To have lived to see this happen overwhelms me beyond words.

   Up until this time Rachel Alexandra has been considered a lock for Horse of the Year honors, but with this powerful performance, Zenyatta has assured the ensuing of a fierce battle for Horse of the Year. Excellent cases can be made for both these amazing females and Zenyatta will certainly steal a good deal of the votes with the Classic victory over such a stellar field. The most immediate question that everyone will be wanting answered now is, whether or not Zenyatta will race and again, and if she will compete next year.

   Later I will cover the rest of the Breeders’ Cup Saturday races, but for now I felt Zenyatta’s incredible tour de force deserved a post all its own.

Breeders Cup Day 1: The Sweet Life

The Sweet Life

   From dead last coming into the last turn, Life is Sweet came flying into the history books and out of Zenyatta’s shadow with a powerful come-from-

Life is Sweet wins the 2009 Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic

behind victory in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic. Against a stellar field that included last year’s third place finisher Music Note, three year old sensation Carless Jewel and European Rainbow View, Life is Sweet proved she is capable of running with the best the world has to offer, or should I say proved she can run away from the best.

   With jockey Garret Gomez aboard for the eighth consecutive time, Life is Sweet settled comfortably at the back of the pack after taking a “halfway hop” as Gomez said, breaking from the gate. Careless Jewel shot straight to the lead, appearing somewhat rank, and opened up nine lengths on the field in the backstretch. After setting fractions of :23.50 for the opening quarter mile, :45.78 for the half mile and 1:09.74 for the six furlongs, Careless Jewel was spent and quickly began to fade while the entire field closed rapidly on her position around the far turn. Coming into the homestretch it seemed wide open to all but Careless Jewel who was inhaled around the turn and wound up finishing last of eight. While Life is Sweet began flying up from the rear, Music Note, Cocoa Beach and Mushka all seemed ready to seize the lead with good positions at the head of the pack. Mushka got there first and seemed home free until the speeding Life is Sweet passed her in mid-stretch and waltzed home to a 2 ½ length victory.

   I had initially chosen Careless Jewel as my winner for the Ladies Classic but immediately changed my mind when I saw Life is Sweet in the paddock and warming up on the track. I have chosen her all three times she has run against Zenyatta this year just because I love her grit and consistency, so I decided not to jump ship so late in the game and was thrilled to have my faith in her rewarded with such a compelling performance. I was shouting her down the stretch when I caught sight of her closing from the back and gave a whoop of joy when she crossed the line in front. Then I inadvertently yelled, “Sweet!” not realizing the play on words. It was indeed a sweet victory for her connections, and a more deserving winner you will never find.

   I need to add one more thing here before I go on to the next race. My horses finished on both ends of the field for the first time ever. Life is Sweet 1st, Careless Jewel last, I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.

An Easy Decision

Informed Decision wins the 2009 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

   I had seen all the evidence; her record was a testament to flawless synthetic form, she had already defeated the favorite in a previous meeting, won five of her six races this year and finished third in her one loosing attempt, finishing behind a dual champion, yet I still didn’t choose her to win. Informed Decision had the perfect trip in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint and took full advantage of it.

   Long shot Free Flying Soul took the lead at the start with informed Decision rating just off her in second. As soon as she came out of the gate she appeared completely comfortable and relaxed, I realized right away that neither Sara Louise nor Ventura was going to be winning this time. Entering the homestretch Informed Decision willingly took the lead and poured it on while defending Sprint winner Ventura came flying from second to last with tremendous strides in the center of the track. They kept up their furious rallies the length of the stretch, but Ventura was unable to make up enough ground on a determined Informed Decision and had to settle for second. Looking the part of a winner the entire length of the race, Informed Decision has now won 11 of 14 lifetime starts and 6 of 7 starts this year. She has placed herself squarely in line to win the Eclipse award as runaway Champion Female Sprinter 2009.

Iron Man

Man of Iron wins the 2009 Breeders' Cup Marathon

   The most exciting stretch run of the Friday Breeders Cup card came in the 2nd running of the Breeders’ Cup Marathon. I have been saying for awhile now that I am rooting for American runners to win every Breeders Cup race except for the Mile, where I am placing my allegiance with Goldikova, and although my “hope” for the “all American” finishes isn’t going to happen in every single race, I still like our chances against most of the Euro’s who are left. Cloudy’s Knight has been my pick for the Marathon ever since last month and I was thrilled with his courageous effort against the talented Euro Man Of Iron. The clear-cut favorite for the Marathon this year was Mastery, another brilliant European runner with sights on Breeders Cup glory.

   In the beginning stages of the race Man of Iron held last position for jockey Johnny Murtagh before moving to ninth of ten for the majority of the trip. Meanwhile Cloudy’s Knight was stalking the leaders in mid-pack with last year’s Marathon champ, Muhannak, in second. Approaching the homestretch turn Cloudy’s Knight swept to the lead with a three wide rally with Mastery in close pursuit, while Man of Iron closed strongly from behind. Down the homestretch Cloudy’s Knight was caught by Man of Iron inside the sixteenth pole and these two roared through the stretch, neck and neck, neither giving an inch. Man of Iron seemed to gain a barely perceptible edge a few jumps before the wire, but Cloudy’s Knight was still coming. It was Man of Iron the winner by a nose in a thrilling photo finish. Mastery finished third and last year winner Muhannak came home fifth. The Marthon distance was increased to 1 ¾ miles for this year’s running.

High Note for Midday

Midday wins the 2009 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf

   This year’s edition of the $2 million Emirate Airline Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf was one of the strongest fields in recent history. Last year’s winner and 2008 Champion Female Grass Horse, Forever Together, was made the slight favorite over European Midday but was unable to duplicate her effort of last year. A very slow pace was set by Visit for the first six furlongs with Dynaforce rating in second. Midday raced mid-pack through the backstretch before accelerating on the final turn and edging clear of pace-setter Visit to gain the lead before the sixteenth pole. Forever Together took up her customary position at the back of the pack, perhaps being placed too far back by jockey Julien Leparoux, and was compromised by the slow pace up front. Midday opened up a clear lead before the line and maintained a comfortable margin all the way to the wire. Pure Clan put in a late run on the inside to get up for second behind the victorious Midday, 1 ¼ lengths ahead of the late running Forever Together. Magical Fantasy was nosed out for fourth by Visit with Maram coming in sixth. Rutherienne and Dynaforce completed the order of finish. Chalk one more up for the Euro’s!

She’s Wild

She be Wild wins the 2009 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies

  When the field for the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies came sweeping into the turn it seemed like every one of the 12 contestants had a wide open chance to win. This was one of the most evenly matched fields for the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Fillies in recent memory. She Be Wild managed to detach herself from the pack midway through the homestretch defeating second place Beautician and third place race favorite Blind Luck. She Be Wild has now won four of her five lifetimes starts and is the most likely candidate for the Eclipse award as Champion Juvenile Filly.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf

Tapitsfly wins the 2009 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf

 Tapitsfly has been receiving a good amount of hype this week due to her excellent works at Santa Anita in preparation for her run in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Apparently the hype wasn’t for nothing this time. In second place for almost the entire run behind pace setter Rose Catherine, Jockey Robby Albarado asked the filly for run in the stretch and she responded with beautiful acceleration. She gained on the leader before finally inching clear for a half length victory.

   Attendance was up from last year on the Breeders’ Cup Friday program and handle at the track was also slightly up. You can bet there will be a huge crowd coming Saturday for the chance to see the undisputed “Queen of racing”, Zenyatta take on the boys in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Sit back and enjoy the ride, there is a whole day left of races to be run, champions to be crowned, records to be attempted and excitement to experience. Brind on the Breeders Cup day 2!

“GOLD-ikova STRIKE!”

   Three more days and the Breeders Cup Championship races will be underway. Things kick off on Friday with the Breeders Cup Marathon, but the headline of the day will be the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic. In between you have a bevy of mouthwatering races that include the Filly and Mare Sprint, Filly and Mare Turf, Juvenile Fillies and Juvenile Fillies Turf.

Goldikova

    I’m going to start with the $2 million Breeders Cup Mile, which will be run on Saturday, and the defending 2008 champ Goldikova. I have been following Goldikova much more closely this year after her incredible victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile last year and have frequently searched and viewed pictures of her recent races. This afternoon I found a picture taken a few days ago of the champ and almost caught my breath. If pictures are worth a thousand words, then this one was practically screaming the return of Goldikova. She looked magnificent! There are many obvious points in her favor, the most obvious being that she has already won this race last year, and is once again in tip top shape. I’m a sucker for fillies, especially when they can hand it to the boys, and I love stories that herald the return of the champ, so needless to say I am rooting for her to win this one again. Drawing the outside post in the field of 11 She’s just about the only European I’m supporting in the entire Breeders Cup this year, and is one of four entered in the Mile. Gladiatorus, Delegator and Zacinto are the other three.

   Gladiatorus won the $5 million Dubai Duty Free in late March in an upset, then went four straight in defeat before finding the winners circle again last out in the Group 1 Premio Vittorio di Capua at San Siro, Italy. His latest victory was against much weaker competition but his trainer isn’t worried and is hoping that it served as a confidence booster for Gladiatorus. One thing that may be in his favor is the left hand turns at Santa Anita, the same as the turns in Dubai. His four consecutive losses all came on right-handed turns or staightways.

   English stakes winning Delegator is raced by Godolphin Racing. In August he won the Group 2 Celebration Mile before finishing second to last in the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at prestigious old Ascot in September.

   The third European contender is Zacinto who has yet to win a grade 1 race and must take a major step up in class for this one.

   The American runners are led by grade2 winner Cowboy Cal and grade 1 winner Court Vision. Cowboy Cal has the

Cowboy Cal

speed to acquire the lead, the strength to sustain that speed, and the determination to hold onto that lead even in the face a head to head stretch duel. He also has the ability to rate just off the pace and fire when asked by the rider in the stretch. He could very well end up setting the pace here. He has proven extremely effective when given his own way on the lead in previous situations.

Court Vision

 In post position 1 is Court Vision, winner of the Grade 1 Shadwell Mile at Keeneland. He is another one of those ultra consistent horses who never makes you nervous to include him in your top three. He usually sits right off the pace and will most likely be up close throughout the duration of the race, and in a good position to launch his bid when then enter the stretch.

   Another American runner, Justenuffhumor defeated Cowboy Cal in the Bernard Baruch

Justenuffhumor

 Handicap (gr.3) on the Saratoga turf in late August for his sixth consecutive win. He could certainly be able to spring a mild upset here if given a fair and clean run. Surprisingly he is listed at odds of 10-1 compared to Cowboy Cal’s 6-1.

   Karelian was defeated a mere nose by Cowboy Cal in the Shadwell Turf Mile (gr.1T) in October, a race in which favorite Justenuffhumor finished sixth. Goldikova is once again the favorite for the 2009 renewal.

   There is never a “sure thing” or a “guarantee” in horse racing, but if there was, Goldikova just might be both.

Some Breeders Cup Updates:

Zenyatta

 First and foremost is that Zenyatta will be taking on the boys in the Classic and has already been installed as the morning line favorite over the likes of European star Rip Van Winkle and American runners Einstein, Summer Bird, Gio Ponti and Colonel John. Finally we get to watch the undisputed, undefeated queen of American racing take on the best of the boys and prove her mettle. I have a feeling that she will emerge with her perfect record intact, and will show the world that she can handle not only the extra distance in the 1 ¼ mile classic, but also that she can run with the best of them…or should I say run away from the best of them.

   Second is the news that heavy Sprint favorite Zensational drew post position one, much to the dismay of his

Zensational

connections. It was the exact position trainer Bob Baffert had hoped to avoid. Cost of Freedom and Fatal Bullet drew positions two and three respectively effectively putting all three speed horses side by side. Zensational will have to go full-throttle from the moment the gates spring open to grasp the lead, and with two speed horses just outside him a taxing speed duel could easily ensue, creating a very fast pace for the closers to run into.

Lookin at Lucky

   Juvenile favorite and undefeated Bob Baffert trainee Lookin at Lucky drew the outside post thirteen for the race. Although Baffert said he is not as worried about that as he is about Zensational’s number one post position, you have to take it into consideration when choosing your winner. He will be attempting to become the first horse to win a 1 1/16 mile race from the 13 post since the synthetic track was installed at Santa Anita in 2007.

   In other news there has been a endless parade of works by contenders from every

Mine That Bird

Breeders Cup division. Too many to go over them all, so I’ll just mention a few of the major ones. Kentucky Derby winner Mine that Bird had an “almost perfect” work according to Trainer “Chip” Woolley earlier in the week and is looking sharper coming into the Classic than he was for the Goodwood Stakes in which he finished sixth last out. Einstein had a fabulous work for trainer Helen Pitts and seems to be better than ever coming into the biggest race of his life. The way he has been working, looking and acting

Careless Jewel

is, according to all accounts, exactly the way you would want a horse to be coming into the Classic against such a deep field. Careless Jewel also tested the Pro-Ride surface, looking spectacular according to bystanders. She appears to glide over any surface and is another that is coming into the Breeders Cup just when she seems to be peaking physically for the year.

   It’s only three days and counting, then the fun begins!

Six Days and Counting: Breeders Cup Championships

   There are only six days to go until the Breeders Cup Championships start on Friday November 6.  Everything is beginning to take shape, last minute decisions are still being made and horses with preferences in multiple race divisions are holding off on placement in their race of choice till the last possible second.  One of those horses is

Zenyatta

Zenyatta, the brilliant mare who matched the immortal Personal Ensign’s lifetime achievement of 13 straight races while remaining undefeated.  Indications from Zenyatta’s connections have been that they are strongly leaning towards entering the perfect “queen of racing” in the Breeders Cup Classic (gr. 1) against the boys instead of the Ladies Classic which she won last year.  Only a very good last work by the mare before the championship races would continue that thinking trainer John Shirreffs said.  Well, after seeing the results of her work today, there is no doubt the gargantuan daughter of Street Cry is ready for whatever her connections decide to send her way.  With regular jockey Mike Smith aboard for the work, Zenyatta completed six furlongs in 1:12 2/5 at Hollywood Park and galloped out beautifully.  Smith said after the work that she is bigger and better than she was last year when she won the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic (gr.1).  When asked if he thought the distance of the 1 ¼ mile Classic might compromise Zenyatta who has never raced at the distance, trainer John Shirreffs replied that he was not.  He said that he believes she will be able to lengthen her stride and hold her own.  If there was any indication before Zenyatta’s work that she is ready to face the boys in the Classic, there are practically no doubts left now.  She is indeed ready.  There will be an announcement possibly as soon as Sunday about which race Zenyatta will enter after her connections have a meeting this evening.

The Breeders Cup Ladies Classic (gr.1 )

Careless Jewel

   The Ladies Classic (gr. 1) will still be one of the most intriguing races of the championship weekend, with or without Zenyatta.  The buzz surrounding this race is all concentrated on a striking gray daughter of Tapit.  Careless Jewel, a three year old filly who might have challenged Rachel Alexandra for three year old filly honors in any other year. She has been ultra impressive this year, winning the Alabama stakes (gr.1) by 11 lengths with ease, then romping to victory over a synthetic surface in her most recent start. Careless Jewel has the speed to win in gate-to-wire fashion, and she can rate off the lead, blow away in the stretch and draw off under mild urging.  These abilities make her an extremely dangerous horse coming into the Ladies Classic and could even see her becoming the favorite come post time.

Music Note

    Music Note is the most likely older female favorite and seems to have gained back her explosive form from last year and then some. Two starts back she defeated dual-champion Indian Blessing and Informed Decision in the Gr. 1 Ballerina by open lengths, then came right back and defeated the ever consistent Unbridled Bell in the Beldame Stakes (gr.1) by 2 ¼ lengths.  On a quick side not here: Unbridled Belle returned to action today winning the Turnback the Alarm Handicap (gr.3) by four lengths at Aqueduct in her second to last start of her career. (back to Music Note) This very talented daughter of A.P. Indy put together a championship caliber three year old season last year ending with a third place finish behind Zenyatta in the Ladies Classic (gr.1).  She appears to be peaking this year at exactly the right time and has done everything with ease and in exactly the right way.  She will be very hard to beat, Zenyatta or no Zenyatta.

Life Is Sweet

 The field also includes the tough luck mare Life Is Sweet.  Being a stable mate to Zenyatta she has had the misfortune to face the giant on several occasions this year and always runs her heart out. She last out came in a fast closing third to Zenyatta in the Lady’s Secret Stakes.  Earlier in the year she won the Santa Margarita Handicap (gr.1), La Canada (gr.2) and El Encinco (gr.2) all at Santa Anita, and she also faced the boys which resulted in a third place finish.  She loves Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride synthetics and has proven that she is never to be taken lightly when at her best.  She comes into this year’s Ladies Classic with her record somewhat tarnished after a string of defeats, but she appears to be coming back into form.  I think she will run big in the Ladies Classic if she continues to remain healthy and fit, and is given a good clean trip.

Cocoa Beach

  There are only eight fillies and mares (excluding Zenyatta) entered in the Ladies Classic this year, but there is a ton of class. Cocoa Beach is back this year after finishing second to Zenyatta last year.  Although she hasn’t been able to put together as glittering a record as she did last year, she only began racing the last half of the year and could be reaching her top form.  Either way she is proven against top tier competition and finished ahead of Music Note last year in the Ladies Classic.  Lethal Heat is another hard knocking older filly who adds more quality to the field.  She is cross-entered in both the Ladies Classic and Turf Sprint (gr.1) with first preference in the Turf Sprint.  Trainer Barry Adams said that although she has first preference in the Turf Sprint, he will point her for the Ladies Classic if Zenyatta opts for the Classic. Europe’s champion two year old filly of last year, Rainbow View is entered in the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf, but has first preference for the Ladies Classic.  She is the wild card here, never having started on a synthetic surface and will probably get a good amount of backing after the European sweep at the Breeders Cup last year.  She does not seem to be quite as good as she was last year, but still runs competitively at the top level. The remaining two fillies/mares in the field are Mushka and Proviso.  Proviso who is also from Europe,finished ahead of Mushka in the Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (gr.1) last out, but was disqualified to second and Mushka was awarded first, securing her an automatic berth in the Ladies Classic.  I like Music Note, Careless Jewel and Life Is Sweet in that order. 

The Grey Goose Breeders Cup Juvenile (gr.1)

   I’ll start right out by saying that I don’t know a whole lot about some of the colts running here, so I’ll concentrate on the ones I have more knowledge about.  The Breeders Cup Juvenile is fun for a number of reasons, and for different reasons than those of watching more mature horses run.  When horses are this young anything can happen, I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true.  They improve and change so fast at this age that any horse at any one time can show such drastic improvement that they vault to the front of the line and become the leader of their division in the blink of an eye. 

Lookin at Lucky

  Lookin At Lucky will be the very heavy favorite, no doubt about that, and there is also no doubt that he deserves it.  He is undefeated in four starts including the Norfolk Stakes (gr.1), Del Mar Futurity (gr.1) and Best Pal (gr2), all on synthetics.  There is no way I’m going to choose against this guy, not only does he have his Norfolk win over Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride, no worries there, but he is also a son of Smart Strike, sire of Curlin, and I love Curlin.  It’s all in the family.

D'Funnybone

   D’Funnybone is owned by Paul Pompa Jr., the man who owned last year’s sensational Big Brown.  D’Funnybone flew to victory in the Saratoga Special (gr. 2) just one month after Pompa purchased him, then further impressed with his victory in the Futurity (gr.2) in September.  For awhile it seemed he might bypass the Breeders Cup, but fortunately for us his connections decided to give it a shot.  He is untested on synthetics, but trainer Rick Dutrow is confident he will rise to the task.

   Alfred Noble, from Europe, won the Phoenix Stakes (Ire-1) in July then finished last as the heavy favorite in the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (Ire-1).  Beethoven, another Breeders Cup Juvenile contender came in third in the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes and is owned by Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier and Derek Smith.  He is an extremely talented colt who always runs well over turf.  Most of the European runners are untested on synthetics but turf form in many cases results in a good showing on synthetics. 

   The rest of the field is completed by 20 young hopefuls.  Not all will be able to run due to field size regulations, but any defections/scratches will open the doors for others to join.  Other notable names in the race are as follows: Awesome Act, Dave In Dixie, Eskendereya, Gallant Gent, Noble’s Promise, Pulsion and Pounced.  

Eskendereya

   Eskendereya deserves some mention here, he won the Pilgrim Stakes in his last start by 7 ¼ lengths for trainer Todd Pletcher after the race was taken off the turf because of wet conditions.  He has only run twice, finishing runner-up in his debut on the turf, then his victory in the Pilgrim.

   There is a very large contingent of highly capable juveniles from Europe this year.  All in all, this is a very high quality field and will be very intriguing to watch compete.  Enjoy choosing a winner from this one, aside from a few standouts, practically everyone here seems to have a shot at winning or at least placing in the top three.  I left out many other good names I realize, so feel free to bring up any names you can think of.

Six days and counting…